Prediction of bending strength and stiffness strength of particleboard based on structural parameters by Buckingham’s p-theorem

Abstract

It has been known for several decades that structural and processing parameters can strongly affect the modulus of rupture (MOR) and elasticity (MOE) of particleboards. Several studies that have explored the prediction of MOR and MOE, but to date there is no an accepted model for explaining the effects of structural parameters on these properties. The current study predicts MOR and MOE based on the most important structural parameters: particle size, percentage of adhesive, and density. Three dimensionless groups were created by Buckingham’s p-theorem and the MOR and MOE predicted based on a multiple regression model. Moisture content of cake, press time, press temperature, and press pressure were 12%, 5 min, 180°C, and 35 kg/cm2, respectively. The results showed that the model developed in this study can predict MOR and MOE with acceptable errors 7.06 and 11.27%, respectively.