Properties of the western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) strandboard

Abstract

This work investigated the feasibility of using western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) as a material to manufacture oriented strandboard (OSB) panels. Four different material combinations of juniper sapwood, heartwood, and fibrous bark were compared with regular southern yellow pine (Pinus sp.) strands. The OSB panels were made at an oven-dry density of 560 kg/m3. One pine control panel was also made at a higher density of 650 kg/m3 with a 5% addition of phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin and a 0.5% addition of wax. The single-layer panels were formed with a hot press, and the physical and mechanical properties were tested according to the ASTM standard D1037 (2020). The testing indicated that western juniper is a potential material for manufacturing of OSB panels. The properties of the juniper panels were equivalent or slightly better than those of the southern yellow pine panels at the same density level, except for the modulus of elasticity (MOE). The lower density of the juniper OSB panels may have benefits in construction applications and can decrease transportation costs.

Evaluation of the Oriented Strand Board Properties Produced Using Tropical Wood Mixtures

“…and falcata wood (Falcataria moluccana), and the authors concluded that, based on the results, strand boards obtained from rubber and falcata have the potential to be commercialized [6]. In the United States of America, a work investigated the feasibility of using western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) as a material to manufacture oriented strand board (OSB) panels, and according to the authors, the properties of the juniper panels were found to be equivalent or slightly superior to those of the southern yellow pine panels at the same density level, except for the modulus of elasticity [7]. These studies around the world demonstrate that researchers are interested in exploring new alternative species that can be used in the manufacturing of OSB panels.…”