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Novel composite materials having desired performance properties can be developed by nanotechnology. The major objective of this research was to produce nanomaterial-reinforced particleboard composites with enhanced physical and mechanical performance. Urea formaldehyde adhesive used to produce particleboard composites was reinforced with nanoSiO 2 , nanoAl 2 O 3 , and nanoZnO at loading level of 0%, 1%, and 3%. To evaluate physical properties density, thickness swelling, water absorption, and equilibrium moisture content were determined while modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, bonding strength, and screw withdrawal strength tests were carried out to evaluate mechanical properties of the particleboard composites. The results acquired in this work revealed that nanomaterial reinforcement technique significantly affected the physical and mechanical performance properties of the particleboard composites. The findings showed that the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, bonding strength, and screw withdrawal resistance of the composites improved by all the nanomaterials used in this study, except 3% nanoZnO. It was also determined that using 1% nanoSiO 2 or 1% nanoAl 2 O 3 in the composites had the best results in the bonding strength and screw withdrawal resistance. The findings indicate that it is possible to produce novel wood composites by using proper nanomaterial type and loading level.

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Compression wood (CW) is a reaction wood formed in gymnosperms in response to various growth stresses. Many of the anatomical, chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of CW differ distinctly from those of normal wood. Because of different properties, the CW is much less desirable than normal wood. This study was conducted to investigate the suitability of CW flour obtained from black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) in the manufacture of wood plastic composite (WPC). Polypropylene (PP) and CW flour were compounded into pellets by twin-screw extrusion, and the test specimens were prepared by injection molding. WPCs were manufactured using various weight percentages of CW flour/PP and maleic anhydridegrafted PP (MAPP). Water absorption (WA), modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) values were measured. The results showed that increasing of the CW percentage in the WPC increased WA, MOR, and MOE values. Using MAPP in the mixture improved water resistance and flexural properties. CW flour of black pine can be used for the manufacturing of WPC as a reinforcing filler.