The Effects of Different Technological Treatments on Ficus retusa Branchwood Particleboard: Physical Properties and Formaldehyde Emission Evaluations

Abstract

This research aimed to compare the effect of postmanufacture thermal treatment and wax emulsion (1%) as an additive on water absorption, thickness swelling, and formaldehyde emission of particleboard produced from Ficus retusa branchwood. The particleboards were single layer produced with a target density of 690 kg. m-3 and 12% urea formaldehyde as a binder. Three different temperatures (180, 200, and 220 °C) and two different heat exposure durations (5 and 10 minutes) were applied. The statistical tests revealed that the post-manufacture heat treatments of the Ficus particleboard at 200 °C/10 min and 230 °C/5 and 10 min were effective in improving the dimensional stability (water absorption and thickness swelling) of the panels and reducing the formaldehyde emission. Additionally, using the 1% wax emulsion in the panels enhanced the dimensional stability and was comparable with the 220°C/10 min treatment, while it had no significant effect on the formaldehyde emission. Moreover, the F. retusa branchwood was suitable for particleboard production using the production parameters introduced in this study.