Properties of particleboards made of biocomponents from fibrous chips for FEM modeling

Abstract

The present paper aims to determine values of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) of particleboards made from specially prepared particles from willow (Salix viminalis L.) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) to enable formulation of an orthotropic material model for use in computer numerical simulations (FEM; finite element method). The mean densities of the panels were 600 and 660 kg.m-3 for the willow and black locust, respectively. The MOE was used to test entire particleboards as well as their individual layers. The willow and black locust particleboards were compared with commercially available particleboards that met the requirements of the EN 312 standard. The modulus of rupture (MOR) of the particleboards was also determined according to the requirements of the EN 312 standard. The commercial particleboards showed the effects of different manufacturing directions, which resulted in changes in properties. No influence from manufacturing direction was found for the laboratory-made experimental panels. The impact of the thickness of the face layer of the specimens on MOE was also investigated. These tests indicated that the 2.1-mm sample showed no detectable distortive impact from the core layer. The tests confirmed the impact of manufacturing direction on the MOE of the commercial panels, which moreover was higher for the face layer. The highest MOE was found for the commercial panels, although the experimental panels met the requirements of the EN 312 standard, excluding the black locust at a mean density of 600 kg.m-3.