PARTICLEBOARDS PRODUCED WITH Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, POLYSTYRENE AND POLYETHYLENE THEREPHTHALATE PARTICLES

Abstract

This research investigated the properties of wood particleboards, containing particles of polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene therephthalate (PET). Particleboards were produced with 0%, 25% or 50% of polystyrene and 100%, 75% or 50% of Eucalyptus grandis particles. Additional boards were produced with two amounts of PET/PS (5/20% or 10/40%) and 75% or 50% wood particles. As binding agents three amounts (0%, 4% or 6%) of urea-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde adhesive and three amounts of polystyrene in toluene solution (0%, 4% or 6%) were used. One-layer boards, measuring approximately 400,0 x 400,0 x 10,0 mm with density approximately equal to 0,60 g/cm3, were produced. Internal bond, modulus of rupture and elasticity, screw withdrawal, as well water absorption and thickness swelling, after 24 hours of immersion were determined. All mechanical boards’ properties were superior to the established by ANSI/A 208.1-1993 standards. All wood/plastic particleboards absorbed more water   then those observed in commercial boards. However the observed thickness swelling was quite similar to the values of commercial wood particleboards. Boards in which the solution of polystyrene was applied were, in general, presented the best values for all properties.