Abstract
Kiri trees are fast-growing species, which are increasingly cultivated on plantations in Europe. This study assesses the application of kiri wood (Paulownia tomentosa) for the production of particleboards. Single-layer particleboards (PBs) were produced from kiri particles (KPs), industrial particles (IPs) and various mixtures of both materials with target densities of 350, 500 and 650 kg m−3, respectively. The composition of the PBs was 100% KPs, 66% KPs, 33% KPs and 0% KPs (100% IPs). PBs based on 100% IPs exhibited the lowest mechanical strength properties, which increased with increasing proportions of KPs within the same density range. The swelling properties of the boards were similar within one density range. The formaldehyde contents of PBs made of KPs were higher compared to PBs based on IPs, but all values were below the threshold value given in EN 13986 (Wood-based panels for use in construction—characteristics, evaluation of conformity and marking, German version. European Committee for Standardisation, Brussels, Belgium, 2004). X-ray micro-computed tomography (XµCT) revealed differences in the structure and compression of the PBs based on KPs and IPs resulting in smaller and more evenly distributed voids between the particles in PBs based on KPs. This study shows that kiri wood is a promising raw material for the PB industry, both alone and in mixtures with other particles.
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