*Article* **Influence of Different Percentages of Binders on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of** *Rhizophora* **spp. Particleboard as Natural-Based Tissue-Equivalent Phantom for Radiation Dosimetry Applications**

**Siti Hajar Zuber <sup>1</sup> , Nurul Ab. Aziz Hashikin 1,\* , Mohd Fahmi Mohd Yusof <sup>2</sup> , Mohd Zahri Abdul Aziz <sup>3</sup> and Rokiah Hashim <sup>4</sup>**


**Abstract:** *Rhizophora* spp. particleboard with the incorporation of lignin and soy flour as binders

**\*** Correspondence: hashikin@usm.my; Tel.: +60-4-653-3670

were fabricated and the influence of different percentages of lignin and soy flour (0%, 6% and 12%) on the physico-mechanical properties of the particleboard were studied. The samples were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and internal bonding. The results stipulated that the addition of binders in the fabrication of the particleboard did not change the functional groups according to the FTIR spectrum. For XRD, addition of binders did not reveal any major transformation within the composites. SEM and EDX analyses for all percentages of binders added showed no apparent disparity; however, it is important to note that the incorporation of binders allows better bonding between the molecules. In XRF analysis, lower percentage of chlorine in the adhesive-bonded samples may be advantageous in maintaining the natural properties of the particleboard. In internal bonding, increased internal bond strength in samples with binders may indicate better structural integrity and physico-mechanical strength. In conclusion, the incorporation of lignin and soy flour as binders may potentially strengthen and fortify the particleboard, thus, can be a reliable phantom in radiation dosimetry applications.

**Keywords:** characterisation; particleboard; natural fiber composites; *Rhizophora* spp.
