Influence of panel density on the characteristics of novel multifunctional particleboard

Abstract

ABSTRACT A novel approach to produce a multifunctional particleboard (PB) with lower density and high electrical conductivity is presented. To this end, woven carbon nets with a perforated structure were inserted into the panel structure during mat formation. PB with different densities of 600, 650, 700, and 750 kg/m3 were produced without and with carbon nets having a mesh size of 225 mm2. The physical and mechanical properties of the PB were evaluated according to the EN310, EN319 and EN317 standards, respectively, and the electrical properties were measured using the developed “four-probe method”. It was found that, increasing the panel density from 600 to 750 kg/m3 led to a significant improvement in flexural strength and internal bond strength but had a negative effect on the thickness swelling of the PB. The results also showed that by incorporating carbon nets into the panel structure, the insulated PB was transformed into an electrically conductive panel suitable for furniture applications. The electrical resistance of the panels was significantly reduced by increasing the panel density to 750 kg/m3. The carbon nets also significantly improved the flexural properties of the composites and had some negative effects on the internal bond strength. The piece of furniture produced also confirmed the suitability of the multifunctional PB for illuminating the LED lamps and integrating the cell phone charging technology into the panels.