Dimensional Stability of Particleboards Produced with Soybean Residue

Abstract

The southwest region of Goiás is a major grain producer in the country, with emphasis on soybeans. It is protected by a pellicle grain into a legume. After its separation, the film is eventually discarded or used as animal feed. One alternative is the production of particleboards, considering lignocellulosic material, which could add value to this raw material. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the dimensional stability of particleboards produced with soybean residue, comparing them with eucalyptus panels. The particleboard was made with a nominal density of 0.55 g/cm3, and 12% of urea-formaldehyde adhesive were used, based on their content of resin solids and pressing cycle of 3.92 MPa, 180oC for 15 minutes. Three panels were produced by treating. The assessment of dimensional stability was made by measuring their density, water absorption and thickness swelling after immersion for 2 and 24 hours. Based on the results, it can be seen that, statistically, the panels had equal densities, an average value of 0.52 g/cm3. It is noted that the panels produced with a soy film had water absorption values of 2 to 24 hours, and thickness swelling in 24 hours, in comparison with the upper eucalyptus. For thickness swelling after 2 hours, no statistically significant difference between the tested materials was observed.