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The potential for using the sycamore ( Platus orientalis  ) leaves in manufacturing particleboard
Aghakhani, M.; EnayatI, S. H.; Nadalizadeh, H. & Pirayesh, H.
Abstract
Developing value-added products from any
underutilized non-woody or woody material could play a
critical role in economical development as well as forest
resource management of any country. The objective of this
research was to evaluate the potential of using the sycamore
leaves in production of particleboard. Variable factors
were as board density (0.6 and 0.7 g/cm3), press time
(4 and 6 min), and press temperature (140 and 160 oC).
Some chemical properties of the sycamore leaves (cellulose,
holocellulose, lignin and ash contents, alcohol–benzene
solubility, 1 % sodium hydroxide solubility, hot- and
cold-water solubility), mechanical (modulus of rupture,
modulus of elasticity, and internal bond strength) and
physical properties (thickness swelling and water absorption)
of the resulting particleboards were determined.
Overall results showed that the mechanical properties of all
the panels exceed the minimum requirements of European
Norm for furniture manufacturing. The mechanical properties
of particleboard were improved significantly as board
density increased from 0.6 to 0.7 g/cm3 and press time
increased from 4 to 6 min. However, the effect of press
temperature was not significant (P<0.05). Conclusively,
sycamore leaves, an underutilized waste, can be an alternative
raw material for particleboard industry and resulting
value-added panels owing to their high mechanical properties
and interesting design esthetics could be used for
furniture and interior decoration.
Keywords
Sycamore leaves; Particleboard; Mechanical properties; Physical properties
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