Effects of alternative raw materials and varying resin content on mechanical and fracture mechanical properties of particle board

Abstract

Particle boards were produced from different types of wood particles, i.e. spruce, recovered particles, willow, poplar, and locust. Effects of raw material, as well as varying resin content on mechanical and fracture mechanical properties were investigated. For the analysis of mechanical properties, specific fracture energy, stress intensity factors, and the industrial European standard methods internal bond strength according to EN 319 and bending strength according to EN 310 were used. The total fracture energy was measured, and the stress intensity factor was calculated by means of data achieved through finite element simulations. Results of the fracture energy analysis were compared to internal bond strength (IB) and bending strength. While IB and the modulus of elasticity (MOE) showed a high variability, data scattering for fracture energy tests and modulus of rupture (MOR) were smaller, which are due to significant differences between the resin contents of the various board types.

An Overview of the Current Situation of European Poplar Cultures with a Main Focus on Hungary

“…The possibility of the use of hybrid poplars is the same as that of the native poplars, but their advantage is that their properties can be improved by genetic modification [20,21]. Due to their poor mechanical strength, they are used less as building materials.…”