Influence of NaOH treatment on the mechanical properties of particleboard

Abstract

Natural fibres are widely used in a variety of industries, especially for making composites. Research on the relationship between the characteristics of natural fibres and those of composites is very important in order to produce natural fibres and composites of high quality. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of the effect of a 1% NaOH treatment on the mechanical properties of particleboard made with industrial hemp shiv treated with the 1% NaOH solution at 100°C for 0, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. The results showed that, after the 1% NaOH treatment for 0–60 minutes, microfibril angle, relative degree of crystallinity and density of hemp shiv were reduced and the middle lamellae were broken, but the mechanical properties of the resulting particleboard were improved. Thus, to improve the mechanical properties of hemp shiv particleboard, the particles can be treated by the NaOH solution.