The potential for using the sycamore (Platus orientalis) leaves in manufacturing particleboard

Abstract

Developing value-added products from any underutilized non-woody or woody material could play a critical role in economical development as well as forest resource management of any country. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of using the sycamore leaves in production of particleboard. Variable factors were as board density (0.6 and 0.7 g/cm3), press time (4 and 6 min), and press temperature (140 and 160 °C). Some chemical properties of the sycamore leaves (cellulose, holocellulose, lignin and ash contents, alcohol–benzene solubility, 1 % sodium hydroxide solubility, hot- and cold-water solubility), mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond strength) and physical properties (thickness swelling and water absorption) of the resulting particleboards were determined. Overall results showed that the mechanical properties of all the panels exceed the minimum requirements of European Norm for furniture manufacturing. The mechanical properties of particleboard were improved significantly as board density increased from 0.6 to 0.7 g/cm3 and press time increased from 4 to 6 min. However, the effect of press temperature was not significant (P < 0.05). Conclusively, sycamore leaves, an underutilized waste, can be an alternative raw material for particleboard industry and resulting value-added panels owing to their high mechanical properties and interesting design esthetics could be used for furniture and interior decoration.