Evaluation of the quality of particleboard panels manufactured with wood from Sequoia sempervirens and Pinus taeda

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard panels manufactured with wood particles from Sequoia sempervirens and Pinus taeda and urea-formaldehyde resin (UF), using different mixing ratios of the two species, namely 100%, 0%, 75%, 50% and 25% of sequoia particles. Properties evaluated included panel density and compaction ratio, water absorption and thickness swelling after 24 hours of immersion, internal bond and static bending (MOE and MOR). The low density of sequoia wood raised the compaction ratio of the panels and helped improve their mechanical properties and dimensional stability. Panels manufactured at the ratios of 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% sequoia to pine provided better results compared to panels manufactured with 100% pine. Results of MOE and MOR under static bending and of internal bond met the minimum requirements of standard EN 312:2003 in all treatments. Results revealed that Sequoia sempervirens has great potential for production of particleboard.