Chromated copper borate influence on physical and mechanical properties of oriented strand boards using Schizolobium amazonicum wood specie

Abstract

Oriented strand board (OSB) consists of wood particles glued by resins, whose composite can be deteriorated by organisms due to construction uses in aggressive conditions. To improve the panel resistance against these organisms, especially when low natural durability woods are used, the panel treatment is necessary. This study evaluated physical and mechanical properties of OSB manufactured with Paricá (Schizolobium amazonicum), native low-density forest wood, whose strands were also treated by chromated copper borate preservative (CCB) and glued (8%, 10% and 12% content) with castor-oil based polyurethane adhesive. Panel performance was evaluated using the EN 300 and ABNT NBR 14810–2 requirements. From analysis of variance (5% significance level), the use of CCB promoted a significant reduction in the values of physical properties (thickness swelling and water absorption) and did not promote reduction in the mechanical properties of the manufactured panels. All composites manufactured showed highly satisfactory performance requirements. As the levels of adhesive resulted and composites with physical and mechanical properties statistically equivalent to each other, it can be concluded that the panels produced with 8% adhesive content and treated with CCB resulted in the best treatment, since it reaches the minimum standard with a smaller amount of resin (more economical).