Effect of the particle geometry on lightweight particleboard from Paulownia using high-frequency pressing technology

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the manufacture of lightweight single-layer particleboard (PB) made of the low-density wood species paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) using high-frequency (HF) pressing technology. Paulownia round timber was chipped to particles with two different thickness levels (0.35 and 0.53 mm). The particles were classified into fraction B (> 0.5 ≤ 2.00 mm) and C (> 2 ≤ 4 mm) according to the mesh size of the sieve. Next to the particle size the influence of the board density (300 and 400 kg/m³) on the pressing process and the PB properties was analyzed. Using the HF press, PB were produced with a press speed of 6–9 s/mm. With increasing density, the values of the mechanical properties increased. PB made from larger particles showed higher modulus of rupture (MOR), the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and the internal bond strength (IB), but also more affinity to water absorption. PB with a density of 400 kg/m³ met the requirement for lightweight PB type LP2.