Alginate-lignin Bonded Rhizophora spp. Particleboard as a Natural-based Tissue-equivalent Phantom

Abstract

Experimental particleboards were fabricated using Rhizophora spp. wood trunks, incorporating three different percentages of lignin and sodium alginate (0%, 3%, and 6%) as adhesives, as well as three different sample sizes of Rhizophora spp.: 0 to 104 µm, 105 to 210 µm, and 211 to 500 µm. The objective was to investigate the physical, morphology, chemical composition, and effective atomic number Z_eff of Rhizophora spp. particleboards incorporated with lignin and sodium alginate. The physical properties were studied using gravimetric method, thickness swelling, and water absorption tests. The fabricated particleboards had a suitable physical and radiological characteristic for tissue-equivalent phantom applications. The reduction in particle size and increase in adhesive content contributed to lower thickness swelling and water absorption. The density values fell within the specified range. According to scanning electron microscopy observations, increased adhesive content decreased the formation of voids in the structure of particleboards. The calculated effective atomic number further supported the suitability of material. Higher sodium alginate usage was found to be associated with an increase in sodium content. The sample A₆ with a particle size of 0 to 104 µm and 6% adhesive exhibited promising suitability for the fabrication of tissue-equivalent phantom.