Investigation on production of particleboard from Date palm residues

Abstract

The influence of production variable such as residues moisture content at time of chipping or flaking, hardner and press time on properties of particleboard from date palm residues is investigated. Each variable was investigated at three different levels and a total of 24 combinations of variables were studied. The results of this investigation indicate that: - Residues moisture content at the time of chipping or flaking affects both physical and mechanical properties of boards. MOR and MOE of board made from flakes produced by dry chipping and either wet or dry flaking was higher than others and its dimensional stability was better. Chipping or flaking moisture did not affect IB significantly. - Hardner consumption did not significantly influence the properties, but increasing hardner consumption to 3 percent of resin content (solid basis) improved board properties. - Press time also did not influence board properties and for the production of 15 mm. boards, either 5 or 6 minutes press time can be used. -For the production of boards to satisfy DIN requirement, following variable combination can be utilized: dry chipping - wet flaking, 3 percent hardner and 6 minutes press time.

Keywords

• MOR
• MOE
• Date palm