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Abstract
Whereas many research activities focus on developing value-added processes that use forest residues, scientists must also investigate the mechanical properties of products made from recycled fiber resources. This study compared the tensile and bending properties of binderless panels made from recycled corrugated containers with properties of panels made from lodgepole pine treetop residues. The properties were measured after reaching equilibrium moisture contents in 50 and 90 percent relative humidity environments. The results show panels made from recycled corrugated containers at both humidity levels were 10 to 20 percent stronger and stiffer than those made from lodgepole pine. Tensile energy absorption was also measured and showed that panels made from old corrugated containers could absorb about 200 percent more energy than the lodgepole pine panels. Tensile stress and strain plots graphically show the difference between the fiber types and processing methods, especially the higher strain at failure for the recycled corrugated container panels. Panels from both fiber sources surpassed minimum commercial hardboard standards. The results showed alternative fibers could be used to produce strong and stiff panels. This research is part of a larger program for developing an understanding of panel properties for engineered three- dimensional fiberboard products.
Keywords
Slash,
logging,
utilization,
fiberboard,
mechanical properties,
corrugated paperboard,
recycling,
tensile strength,
small timbers,
utilization,
smallwood,
small diameter timber,
corrugated fiber containers,
lodgepole pine,
corrugated fiberboard,
strength,
bending strength
Citation
Hunt, John F.; Supan, Karen. 2006. Binderless fiberboard : comparison of fiber from recycled corrugated containers and refined small-diameter whole treetops. Forest products journal. Vol. 56, nos. 7/8 (July/Aug. 2006): pages 69-74.
