Effect of Press Parameters on Scratch and Abrasion Resistance of Overlaid Particleboard Panels

Abstract

This study evaluated influence of press temperature and press time on scratch and abrasion resistance of particle board panels overlaid by melamine resin impregnated paper. Three-layer experimental particleboard panels were made from mixed particles of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.), poplar (Populus tremula L.), and Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) with an average density of 0.75 g/cm3. Panels were overlaid by melamine impregnated papers using temperature levels of 170, 185, and 205°C and press times ranging from 18 to 46 s. Both scratch and abrasion resistance of the specimens were determined employing two different apparatus. Based on the findings of work both properties of the samples increased with increasing press time for each press temperature level. It appears that increasing press temperature from 185°C to 205°C did not make any significant difference on scratch and abrasion resistance of the panels that were pressed using various press times at 95% confidence level. It was found that 170°C press temperature and 46 s press time resulted in the best characteristics of overlaid samples. It was also determined that effect of melamine resin pick-up ranging from 30% to 60% was an important parameter on both properties of the samples mentioned above.