European pallets fabricated with composite wood blocks from tropical species reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose: Effects on the properties of blocks and static flexure of the pallet

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the performance of composite wood blocks (CWB) by testing internal bonding, nail extraction resistance, and water absorption. The CWB were glued with two wood adhesives, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), and urea formaldehyde (UF), modified with 1% nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). Three tropical species were employed: Vochysia ferruginea, Cordia alliodora, and Gmelina arborea. In addition, the original European pallet in the static flexure test was evaluated. The results showed that the internal bonding relative to solid wood blocks (SWB) increased with both adhesives. Meanwhile, the CWB of V. ferruginea with UF and C. alliodora with PVAc showed the greatest resistance to nail extraction, while in G. arborea, the NCC increased the resistance to nail extraction. The CWB with modified adhesives absorbed more moisture, particularly with PVAc, compared with the SWB. In static flexure tests of the pallets fabricated with CWB, the load at the limit of proportionality and the maximum load increased, while deflections were lower, compared with SWB. The results showed the potential of utilizing NCC in CWB fabricated with tropical species.

Resistance of Chip Block Pallet from Teak Wood Particle against Decay Fungi and Subterranean Termites

“…Hence it is necessary to use alternative raw materials. Rigg-Aguilar et al (2019) have successfully developed a chip block pallet using Vitellariopsis ferruginea, Cordia alliodora, and Gmelina arborea sawdust. CBP's biodeterioration against wood-destroying organisms such as termites and fungi has not been evaluated.…”