Lab testing for P3 moisture resistant overlaid particleboards made from wood residues

Abstract

In Chile the amounts of wood sawdust, shavings, and chips available is around 2.72 million, 340 thousand, and 4.25 million m3/year, respectively, and about 30% of this material is employed in the manufacture of particleboards. Two types of particleboards were made from wood residues as moisture-resistant particleboards, and the main goal was to meet the requirements for P3 moisture resistance according to the European Standard EN 312. Five mats of each type were pressed without stops in a 30 cm diameter electrically heated hot press at 180°C for 3.5 min. Target board density was 680 kg/m3 (T1) and 720 kg/m3 (T2), mat moisture was 10%, resin dosage applied was 6%, and board thickness was 15 mm for both boards (0.5 x 0.5 m). Samples were designated as T1 and T2, on which both physical and mechanical tests were conducted. Density, moisture content, thickness swelling, and water absorption were measured. Mechanical tests included internal bond before and after cyclic test, as well as fire retardancy. The analysis of the high resolution images allowed us to ensure that there was no gap between the veneer and the particleboard; therefore it can be concluded that there was no adherence loss. Results for all tests showed that both boards met all the P3 standards for moisture resistant non-structural board for use in humid conditions.