Influence of board density, mat construction, and chip type on performance of particleboard made from eastern redcedar

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate mechanical and physical performances of particleboard made from low-value eastern redcedar trees. The properties evaluated included bending strength and stiffness, swelling, surface hardness, and screw holding capacity as a function of processing variables (i.e., density, chip type, and board construction). Two types of chips (whole tree and pure wood), two types of mat constructions (single- and three-layer), and four different density levels (0.4, 0.5, 0.65, and 0.75 g/cm3) were used in manufacturing the test panels. Board density and mat construction type were found to have major influences on board properties while chip type had no significant effect on the properties. The results showed that with some improvements in process parameters and processing techniques, low-grade eastern redcedar has a future as a particleboard furnish in the manufacture of marketable products.

Citation

Cai, Zhiyong; Wu, Qinglin; Lee, Jong N.; Hiziroglu, Salim. 2004. Influence of board density, mat construction, and chip type on performance of particleboard made from eastern redcedar. Forest products journal. Vol. 54, no. 12 (Dec. 2004): pages 226-232.