Effects of Flat-Shaped Face Layer Particles and Core Layer Particles of Intentionally Greater Thickness on the Properties of Wood-Reduced Particleboard

Against the background of the intention to reduce the amount of wood used in the production of particleboard for economic reasons, the associated reduction in panel density and consequently the panel properties, the influence of the alternative use of flat-shaped face layer particles and core layer particles of intentionally greater thickness on the panel properties was investigated. Appropriate particles were made for this purpose, panels with typical (650 kg/m3) and reduced wood usage (500 kg/m3) were produced, and e.g., their bending properties and internal bond strength were determined. Particle size characterization was done with sieve analysis, image analysis (length and width measurement), and manual thickness gauging. It was found that the alternative use of the flat-shaped particle significantly increased the bending properties and thus the level of the reference can be achieved despite the reduced use of wood. The reason for the increased bending properties was assumed to be the higher strength of the particles themselves and the more effective adhesive bond between the particles. The increase in internal bond strength when using alternative particles could be attributed solely the different production history (e.g., use of fresh cutting blades and laboratory scale production).