Low-Density Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) Particleboards Bound with Potato Starch-Based Adhesive

Abstract

In the present work, and for the first time, totally biosourced low-density particleboards were produced using cardoon particles (a no added value by-product from the Portuguese cheese making industry), bound with a potato starch adhesive. Different starch/cardoon ratios (0.6, 0.8, 1 and 1.2) were tested and the effect of different bio-based additives (chitosan, wood fiber and glycerol) on the performance of the adhesive system was evaluated. The best result was obtained for a formulation with a starch/cardoon mass ratio of 0.8, a chitosan/starch mass ratio of 0.05 and a water/starch mass ratio of 1.75. The particleboards produced had a density of 323 kg·m−3, internal bond strength of 0.35 N·mm−2 and thickness swelling of 15.2%. The values of density and internal bond strength meet the standard requirements of general-purpose lightweight boards for use in dry conditions according to CEN/TS 16368 specification. Moreover, the susceptibility of the formulations with best results was established against subterranean termites and one decay fungi.

New Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) Particleboards Using Cardoon Leaf Extract and Citric Acid as Bio-adhesive

“…The stalks, branches, and leaves are a by-product with no added value. The aqueous extracts from its flowers have been used for centuries as coagulant, due to high content of aspartic proteases and high milk-clotting activity (Monteiro et al 2020).…”

“…Recent works show that cardoon particles can be combined with starch-based binder for producing low-density particleboards appropriate for interior furniture (Monteiro et al 2020).…”

Development of an Innovative Lightweight Composite Material with Thermal Insulation Properties Based on Cardoon and Polyurethane

“…However, the branches, stalks and lees are considered by-products and they are mainly used for producing energy and oils for human and animal consumption [ 19 ]. Besides its renewable and sustainable nature, this type of material has a lower density (between 70 and 220 kg m −3 ), making it an excellent option for the production of lightweight composite materials [ 20 , 21 ].…”