THERMAL MODIFICATION OF SUGARCANE WASTE AND BAMBOO PARTICLES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF PARTICLEBOARDS

ABSTRACT The thermal modification of particles of the paticleboards constituted of agroforest and industrial waste can improves the dimensional stability (thickness variation) and reduces the use of chemicals that can raise the costs of the process or be hazardous to humans and the environment. This study evaluated the effect of the thermal modification on the physical-mechanical properties and density profile of particleboards manufactured from sugarcane bagasse and bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) (Schult f.) Backer ex Heyne). A mixture of 75% bamboo particles and 25% sugarcane bagasse was subjected to 220 °C temperature for 201 min. Urea-formaldehyde (UF)-based adhesive with three solids contents (10, 12 and 14%) based on the dry mass of the particles was used for the aggregation of the materials. Both temperature and increases in the adhesive content improved their dimensional stability, however, the thermal treatment reduced the mechanical properties. The particleboards composed of treated particles did not meet the minimum specifications established by the Brazilian norm utilized. The densitometric profiles were negatively influenced by the thermal modification and improved by the increase in adhesive content.