The Influences of Drying Temperature of Wood Particles on the Quality Properties of Particleboard Composite

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of drying temperature of wood particles on the quality properties of particleboard composite and chemical properties of wood. Test panels were manufactured using wood particles dried at different temperatures ranging from 100 to 180°C. Based on the findings obtained in this study, increasing drying temperature of the particles negatively affected the mechanical properties, surface roughness, and wettability of the particleboards. However, increasing drying temperature significantly caused a positive effect on the thickness swelling. The results showed that the particleboards made from particles dried at 180°C did not meet the required levels of mechanical strength properties according to the EN 312 (2010) standard for furniture production. The particleboards made from wood particles dried at 150°C for 35 min appeared to be a practical choice for interior fitments.

Keywords:

• Chemical properties
• Drying temperature
• Mechanical properties
• Particleboard
• Physical properties
• Surface roughness
• Wettability

Notes

Note: Different letters in the parentheses (in the same column) represent statistical differences at 95% confidence level. Numbers in the parenthesis are standard deviations.

¹SCW: Solubility in cold water; SHW: Solubility in hot water; SDA: Solubility in dilute alkali (1% Na OH); SAB: Solubility in alcohol-benzene.

²Chemical properties of control particles were determined before drying process in the oven.

³Different letters in the parentheses (in the same line) represent statistical differences at 95% confidence level; numbers in the parenthesis are standard deviations.

Note: Different letters in the parentheses (in the same column) represent statistical differences at 95% confidence level. Numbers in the parenthesis are standard deviations. R: roughness. CA: contact angle.