Effect of Acetic Acid and Acetic Anhydride Ratio to Physical and Mechanical Properties of Particleboard

Abstract

In general, particleboard has a weakness in terms of low dimensional stability. This study aims to analyse the effect of immersing wood shavings in a mixture of acetic acid (AAc) and acetic anhydride (AAn) solution at several ratios to properties of particleboard. Wood shavings were immersed in an AAc/AAn solutions for 24 hours with a concentration of AAc 3% and AAn 2% with a mixture ratio of AAc / AAn consisting of 100/0, 80/20, 70/30. The boards made with a thickness and density target of 10 mm and 0.75 g/cm3, respectively. The pressing was carried out at 130°C, pressure 30 kg/cm2 and the time was 10 minutes. Testing of board properties refers to the JIS A 5908 (2003). The results show that acetylation treatment on wood shavings reduces the thickness swelling value. It was an indication that there had been an improvement in dimensional stability. An increase in the proportion of AAn resulted in a decrease of thickness swelling, water absorption, and moisture content of particleboards. On the internal bond, increasing the AAn proportion in the AAc/AAn solution further decreases the value of an internal bond, however overall internal bond value of board in this research meets the standard.