Comparison of the properties of flax shives based particleboards prepared using binders of bio-based lignin and partially bio-based epoxy resin

Abstract

EIn order to reduce formaldehyde emissions, an experimental investigation of lightweight flax shives based particleboards, prepared using two different binders: bio-based lignin (lignosulfonate) and partially bio-based epoxy resin (greenpoxy 56), was undertaken. The flax based particleboards (with a target density of 500 kg/m³), were elaborated by a thermo-compression process using 20 wt% of binder content. The flax shives were directly valorised as they had no pre-treatment, in order to qualify their potential as a raw material. Bending, compression and fire resistance tests showed that the mechanical and flame performances of lignosulfonate-based particleboards were high compared to those of greenpoxy56 based panels. Nevertheless, the latter were found to have an interesting dimensional stability after water immersion and good insulating properties. Moreover, both lignosulfonate and greenpoxy 56 based particleboards met the minimum EN 15197 requirements for non-load bearing flaxboards for use in dry conditions (Type FB2). Such results illustrated the competitiveness of the studied particleboards, as bio-sourced structures, compared to urea-formaldehyde based panels.