Sargassum-based particleboards for sustainable construction: Performance of pelagic and benthic biomass combined with agro-industrial residues

Abstract The use of lignocellulosic residues for particleboard production represents a sustainable strategy aligned with circular economy principles and the valorization of underutilized biomass. In this context, recurrent sargassum seaweed beaching events have been reported along the coasts of Brazil, Mexico, and the Caribbean, generating significant environmental, economic, and public health impacts due to the decomposition of accumulated biomass. Simultaneously, large volumes of agro-industrial residues such as sugarcane bagasse and coconut husk fibers remain underexploited, despite their lignocellulosic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of manufacturing medium-density particleboards using biomass from different sargassum species (pelagic and cymosum) collected during beaching events, combined with sugarcane bagasse and coconut husk fibers. The experimental program assessed the physical, mechanical and thermal performance of the panels, focusing on properties relevant to non-structural applications. The results indicate that the incorporation of pelagic and benthic sargassum biomass, particularly when associated with sugarcane bagasse, enables the production of particleboards with satisfactory performance for use in furniture components and other interior applications. Beyond mitigating the environmental and socio-economic challenges associated with massive sargassum influxes, the proposed approach promotes the integrated valorization of marine and agro-industrial residues. By converting two problematic waste streams into value-added products, this strategy contributes to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the development of sustainable materials.