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Improving physical and mechanical properties in particleboard by recycled polyethylene and canola residues
Rangavar, H.; Taghiyari, H. R.; Ghofrani, M. & Khojaste-Khosro, S.
Abstract
Improving effects of recycled polyethylene on
dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and reduction
in adhesive consumption of particleboard made from
canola residues were studied here. Canola residues were
consumed at 0, 30, and 50 % consumption levels, based on
the dry weight of wood particles. Recycled low-density
polyethylene was also consumed at two levels of 20 and
30 %. Urea–formaldehyde resin was used for all treatments
at three levels (6, 8, and 10 %). Results showed that
polyethylene had significant improving effects on all the
physical and mechanical properties. Increase in canola
content, however, increased modulus of rupture and modulus
of elasticity due to the more slenderness ratio of
canola residue, but it decreased the internal bond and
physical properties because of the higher specific surface
area of canola particles. Properties of the panels made from
30 % canola residues, 30 % polyethylene, and 8 % urea–
formaldehyde resin were in compliance with the EN 312-2
standards. It can be concluded that the improving effects of
recycled polyethylene can compensate for part of the urea–
formaldehyde resin, and therefore, lower urea–formaldehyde
content can be used, lowering the production costs
due to high-value urea–formaldehyde resin. At the same
time, the potentiality of formaldehyde emission into the
atmosphere would also be decreased.
Keywords
Agricultural residue; Composite board; Particleboard; Polyethylene; Recycling; Urea
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