Analysis of relative machinability indexes of wood particle boards bonded with waste thermoplastics

Abstract

The paper presents original data concerning one aspect of the machinability of special, wood particle boards bonded with waste thermoplastics. The study focused on the measurement of drilling torque and thrust force. The classic idea of machinability indexes was used. The experimental plastic particle boards (with a nominal density of 650 kg/m3) were made of industrial grade core-layer pine wood particles and three different waste thermoplastics: polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene. Three different proportions of plastic contents were used: 30, 50 and 70%. The machinability of the boards was tested in relation to commercially- -produced materials: standard medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and standard particle board (with nominal densities: 750 and 650 kg/m3, respectively). Data presented in the paper suggest that the machinability of wood particle boards bonded with waste thermoplastics, especially waste polyethylene, is particularly good, not only in relation to standard particle boards, but even in relation to standard MDF.