Influence of mixing waste tobacco stalks and paper mulberry wood chips on the physico-mechanical properties, formaldehyde emission, and termite resistance of particleboard

Abstract

The study investigated the use of tobacco stalks and paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) wood chips for producing particleboard at various ratios. Properties tested were thickness swelling (TS), water absorption (WA), flexural strength (MOR and MOE), internal bond, formaldehyde emission (FE) and drywood termite (DWT) resistance. Results showed that tobacco stalks and paper mulberry wood chips could be used either solely or in mixed ratios to produce commercial particleboard that could pass the requirement for general purpose particleboards suitable in dry conditions as specified in PNS ISO 16893 (2017). Adjustments in manufacturing conditions might be needed to pass the WA, TS, MOR and MOE requirements for general purpose particleboard and furniture grade particleboard for use in high tropical humid conditions. Mixing tobacco stalks and paper mulberry wood chips at 75:25 ratio produced low FE particleboard with improved DWT resistance. The utilization of the two biomasses for particleboard production could alleviate the solid waste disposal problem for tobacco stalks, and at the same time manage and control the rapid spread of the invasive paper mulberry tree and add utilization value to its wood.