Journal of Environmental Biology

Effects of tree species and wood particle size on the properties of cement-bonded particleboard manufacturing from tree prunings 

Ramadan A. Nasser^1,2*, H.A. Al-Mefarrej¹,? M.A. Abdel-Aal^1,3 and T.S. Alshahrani¹

¹Range and Forestry Applied Research Unit, Department of Plant Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences,

King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.

²Forestry and Wood Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21545, Egypt.

³Forestry and Wood Technology Department, Horticulture Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Alexandria, 21545, Egypt.

*Corresponding Autho?r E-mail: nasser67@ksu.edu.sa

Publication Data

Paper received:

3 June 2013

Revised received:

11 October 2013

Revised received:

12 December 2013

Accepted:

1 January 2014

Abstract

This study investigated the possibility of using the prunings of six locally grown tree species in Saudi Arabia for cement-bonded particleboard (CBP) production. Panels were made using four different wood particle sizes and a constant wood/cement ratio (1/3 by weight) and target density (1200 kg/m³). The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the produced panels were determined. The interfacial area and distribution of the wood particles in cement matrix were also investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the panels produced from these pruning materials at a target density of 1200 kg m^-3 meet the strength and dimensional stability requirements of the commercial CBP panels. The mean moduli of rupture and elasticity (MOR and MOE) ranged from 9.68 to 11.78 N mm² and from 3952 to 5667 N mm², respectively. The mean percent water absorption for twenty four hours (WA24) ranged from 12.93% to 23.39%. Thickness swelling values ranged from 0.62% to 1.53%. For CBP panels with high mechanical properties and good dimensional stability, mixed-size or coarse particles should be used. Using the tree prunings for CBPs production may help to solve the problem of getting rid of these residues by reducing their negative effects on environment, which are caused by poor disposal of such materials through direct combustion process and appearance of black cloud and then the impact on human health or the random accumulation and its indirect effects on the environment. 

Key words

Cement-bonded particleboard, Dimensional stability, Mechanical properties, Target density, Wood/ cement ratio

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