Effect of Polyethylene on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Particleboard

Abstract

SummaryParticleboard is a common material used in furniture manufacturing. In the present study, it is made from natural rubber wood in the form of coarse and fine particles which is glued with urea formaldehyde adhesive. Because of the cellulosic structure containing many hydroxyl groups, the particleboard becomes a hygroscopic product. The objective of the present study was to increase the water resistance of the particleboard by adding polyethylene (PE). Four grades of PE were selected and mixed with the rubber wood particles before forming as a three‐layer particleboard. Water absorption and thickness swelling were determined. The mechanical properties of the particleboard were evaluated including modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength (IB) and screw holding force. It is found that the addition of 5 wt% PE decreased the thickness swelling at 2 h, e.g. from 19.27% to 13.18–17.16%, and at 24 h, e.g. from 23.81% to 16.88–21.04%. The presence of 5 wt% PE also decreased the water absorption at 2 h, e.g. from 56.17% to 42.01–52.98%, and at 24 h, e.g. from 70.89% to 58.63–66.76%. LDPE D209 and LDPE 2420T showed high potential in this application because they enhanced the water resistance and slightly increased the internal bond strength of the particleboard. MOR and MOE of particleboard could be ranked in the following order: D209 > control > 2420T.