Effect of Particleboard Type in Physical and Mechanical Properties

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate physical and mechanical properties of conventional agglomerate, medium density particleboard and agglomerate with laminate inclusion. Particleboards were made of Acacia mangium particles and laminas of Schizolobium amazonicum were used to produce agglomerate with laminate inclusion. Conventional agglomerate and agglomerate with laminate inclusion showed hygroscopic equilibrium moisture statistically superior to MDP. Agglomerate with laminate inclusion showed the highest rate of thickness swelling after 2 hours of immersion in water, the highest modulus of rupture in bending strength and the best screw withdraw resistance. MDP presented the highest mean value of board internal bond strength. There were no significant differences in other evaluated properties. It was concluded that laminate inclusion improved modulus of rupture and screw withdraw resistance while the use of fine particles on the faces improved physical properties of the particleboards.