USE OF WOOD FROM Pinus caribaea var. caribaea AND Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis FOR PRODUCTION OF PARTICLEBOARD PANELS

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of particleboard panels made with wood from Pinus caribaea var. caribaea and Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis, as obtained from forest stands. Experimental panels were produced with a nominal density of 0.70 g/cm³, using urea-formaldehyde resin and wood particles of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea and Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis, at rates of 100%x0%, 75%x25%, 50%x50%, 25%x75% and 0%x100%. Pinus taeda wood was used as control sample. Panels were compressed at a specific pressure of 40 kgf/cm² and temperature of 160ºC, for 8 minutes. Analysis results of water absorption, thickness swell, internal bond, modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture properties indicated feasibility of using wood from Pinus caribaea var. caribaea and Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis for production of particleboard panels, individually or combined at rates of 75%, 50% and 25%.