The degradation of agro-industrial waste-based particle boards reinforced with sugar cane bagasse was evaluated by comparing their physical and mechanical properties. The particle boards were prepared with sugar cane bagasse particles (85% by weight of composite) and mixed with bi-component polyurethane resin based on castor oil (15% by weight). After mixing for 2 to 3 min, the resulting mixtures were pre-pressured. Standard molding conditions were: temperature, 100°C; pressure during heating, 5 MPa; and heating time, 10 min. The dimensions of the particle boards produced in the laboratory were 0.40 m x 0.40 m x 0.01 m. The boards were cut into testing specimens with dimensions 0.25 m × 0.05 m × 0.01 m. The accelerated aging test was carried out based on the ASTM D 1037 standard in order to determine the main factors that cause degradation and to identify their influence. The test consists of cycles of six treatment steps, i.e., immersion in water at 49°C for 1 h, steaming at 93°C for 3 h, freezing at-12°C for 20 h, drying at 99°C for 3 h, steaming at 93°C for 3 h, and drying at 99°C for 18 h. This cycle was applied six times for all specimens. Modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bonding strength (IB), water absorption (WA%) and thickness swelling (TS%) were measured before and after the cycles of accelerated aging. The performance of the particle boards before accelerated aging presented acceptable mechanical performance, MOR: 21.86 ± 2.16 MPa, MOE: 2.77 ± 0.26 GPa, and IB: 1.18 ±0.40. The performance of the particle boards decreased after accelerated aging showed, MOR: 6.25 ± 0.70 MPa, MOE: 0.52 ± 0.10 GPa, and IB: 0.15 ± 0.07. The results were influenced by the temperature, relative humidity and warm water. After the accelerated aging process, the materials showed mechanical behavior similar to Low-Density grade Particleboard (LD1).

In this paper, it was consider the study of the use of sugarcane bagasse and wood particles, residues from the agricultural and the furniture industry, in order to add value to such materials. To add value to these materials it will be utilized in the manufacturing of hybrid panels consisting of wood particles and sugarcane bagasse in certain proportions (20%, 40% and 60%). For the production it was used the bi-component polyurethane resin based on castor oil. Analysis of the products was established based on the physical-mechanical standard NBR 14.810:2006. The hybrid panels were analyzed according to the data obtained in relation to the American standard ANSI A208.1-1999, in order to determine the best treatment for the possible use as a lining in agricultural buildings. Moreover, the hybrid panels were contrasted with panels of other formulations, with similar density. It was evident that the treatment constituting of 40% of sugar cane bagasse and 60% of wood particles had the best physical-mechanical, and showed a potential for the use in non-structural applications.