Abstract
The giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is considered one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. The main method by which this species propagates is by growth of scattered fragments of rhizome, spreading without control with very strong, deep roots. Agricultural waste consists of lignocellulosic materials that can substitute natural wood and offer a suitable alternative with which to manufacture boards for furniture, packaging and building purposes. The objectives of this work were to obtain binderless particleboards using giant reed rhizome as the raw material, to evaluate their mechanical and physical properties according to the applicable European standards and to assess the self-binding mechanism of the particles in the board. Six types of boards (12 classes) were manufactured with giant reed rhizome biomass. They were manufactured with a temperature of 110 °C, a pressure of 2.5 MPa and pressing times of 7 and 15 min, applying one or two pressing cycles. The results achieved for modulus of rupture (14.2 N/mm2), modulus of elasticity (2052.45 N/mm2) and internal bonding strength (1.12 N/mm2) show that the mechanical properties were improved by using a smaller rhizome particle size and two pressing cycles.
Highlights
The giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is considered one of the world’s 100 most invasive species, according to the UICN’s Global Invasive Species Database, and it is included in the SpanishCatalogue of Invasive Species [1]
In order to solve the problems caused by this invasive species and attempt to recover the ecosystem, the methods that have been used to control it are the application of glyphosate [2], the use of mechanical cutting and extraction tasks and the use of biological control measures [3], but none of these techniques have been effective [4]
The particle size for manufacturing the boards has become the most important factor in the tests performed particle size for manufacturing the boards has become the most important in the tests by the investigators, and it can be concluded that better properties are achieved withfactor a smaller particle performed by the investigators, and it can be concluded that better properties are achieved with a size [46], as shown in this work
Summary
The giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is considered one of the world’s 100 most invasive species, according to the UICN’s Global Invasive Species Database, and it is included in the SpanishCatalogue of Invasive Species [1]. The main method by which this species spreads is by growth of scattered fragments of rhizome. Due to the rapid rate of growth and vegetative reproduction of this species, it occupies new areas and forms dense masses (reed beds), causing a profound transformation of the ecosystems that it invades at the expense of other native species. In order to solve the problems caused by this invasive species and attempt to recover the ecosystem, the methods that have been used to control it are the application of glyphosate [2], the use of mechanical cutting and extraction tasks and the use of biological control measures [3], but none of these techniques have been effective [4]. When the rhizomes are pulled up and shredded, in the areas where this material is deposited the reeds grow back and spread without control to other places [6]
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