Properties of Particleboard in Correlation with Mat Weight and Press Factor

Abstract

The influence of resin types on board properties and the correlation to mat weight and press factor on commercial production of particleboard were investigated. These factors could be used as the control mechanism for board making in order to predict final board properties. The resins used in this study were the lower emission resin E0, E1 and EC. Rubberwood and mix tropical species were used as raw material for manufacturing particleboard with thickness of 18mm. This research was done at Mieco Chipboard Bhd. The boards were tested for their mechanical properties which are modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bonding (IB) and screw withdrawal. Overall, the result shows that board made from E0 resin had better MOE, MOR and IB. Meanwhile the result of screw edge showed that board made from E1 resin is better with the value of 510N. The result also showed high correlation between mat weight and press factor (0.937) and contributed in particleboard manufacturing control