Effects of the corona treatment of rubber tire particles on the properties of particleboards

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of corona treatment and rubber tire particle substitution proportion on the properties of particleboard. Treatments consisted of replacing 10%, 20%, and 30% Pinus oocarpa with rubber tire particles, as well as a treatment without added rubber. Rubber particles were submitted to corona treatment. Panels were produced with a nominal density of 650 kg.m-3, a 7% urea-formaldehyde adhesive, a temperature of 200 °C, a specific pressure of 3.92 MPa, and pressing time of 8 min. Panels were evaluated to determine their physical properties, including water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 h and 24 h of water immersion (TS2h and TS24h), and for mechanical properties including internal bond strength (IB), modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) in static bending. Using a 30% rubber tire particle substitution proportion significantly improved the TS24h and non-return rate in thickness (NRRT) of the panels. However, rubber addition significantly decreased the mechanical properties, and only panels with up to 10% rubber met the minimum requirements of the EN 312 (2003) standard for MOR, MOE, and IB in panels for internal use (including furniture).