Characterization of cement-bonded particleboards manufactured with maritime pine, blue gum and cork grown in Portugal

Abstract

Wood-cement panels were manufactured using three lignocellulosic materials of Portuguese origin: blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus Labil.), maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) and cork (the bark of cork oak, Quercus suber L.). Portland cement was used as a binder in the ratio of either 8/1 or 4/1 (cement/lignocellulose on a weight basis). Experimental panels had a target density of 1500 kg/m3. Particles were used either as received or after water washing, or with the addition of CaCl2 as a setting accelerator. The following properties were determined: density, moisture content, thickness swelling, internal bond, modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture. In general terms, the panels fulfill the requirements of the EN 634-1 and EN 634-2 standards. The only exception was the modulus of rupture which was lower than required. Unlike organic resin bonded panels, adding more binder does not necessarily result in better panels.