Study of the Influence of Heat Treatment on OSB Panels Produced with Eucalyptus Wood in Different Layer Compositions

Abstract

In view of the lack of studies aimed at producing and assessing the effects of heat treatment of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) panels, this paper evaluated the thermal degradation kinetics of the raw materials, and the physical and mechanical properties of the panels made with eucalyptus wood and castor oil-based polyurethane adhesive. The OSB panels were subjected to post-production heat treatment (at 175 and 200 °C), replacing the use of wood chemical preservatives. Furthermore, the quantity of materials varied in the face:core:face layers in the proportions of 25:50:25 and 30:40:30, aiming to evaluate the possibility of structural applications for the panels. The results were statistically analyzed and compared with the specifications and classifications for OSB indicated by the European Standard EN 300 and the literature. The application of heat treatment improved the physical properties by decreasing the interaction with water and did not reduce the mechanical properties below the recommended levels. The variation in layer proportions indicated that all of them can be adopted without compromising the panel’s physical-mechanical performance. All treatments are compatible with the EN 300 classification for OSB/4 (heavy duty load-bearing boards for use in humid conditions), presenting technical feasibility and excellent structural profile for civil construction applications.

Performance of Oriented Strand Board Made of Heat-Treated Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper (Schult.) Backer) Strands

“…Previous studies have explored different approaches for modifying bamboo strands, intended for producing BOSBs, including steam treatment [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], a combination of steam treatment with rinse by 1% NaOH [ 4 , 7 ], steam treatment and physical modification [ 4 , 14 , 15 ], alkaline immersion treatment [ 16 ], as well as post-heat treatment [ 9 , 17 ]. Post-heat treatment of BOSBs resulted in enhanced dimensional stability of the composites but decreased their mechanical properties, possibly related to the increased brittleness of the materials after thermal treatment [ 9 , 18 ].…”

“…According to various studies that have been published [ 4 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 17 ], heat modification has the potential to be used to improve the properties of BOSBs. In general, pre-heat treatment is more prominent compared to post-heat treatment.…”

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

“…[9], and the factory responsible for its manufacturing in the country produces 13 types of OSB panels that differ in quality and purpose [10]. Studies on the quality of OSB panels made of alternative materials to pine have been intensified in the country, seeking to diversify the sources of supply for the industry [11,12].…”

Environmental evaluation of experimental heat-treated oriented strand board

“…Most of the studies available in the literature have only focused on the performance of the wood panels in measuring their physical and mechanical properties (Werner and Richter 2007). But to manufacture sustainable construction materials, it is imperative to also assess their environmental impacts (Sugahara et al 2023).…”

“…Taking this scenario into account, the assessment of environmental hotspots linked to the manufacture of OSB is a contemporary and appropriate field of research presenting great relevance (Sugahara et al 2023). In previous studies, it already has been established that experimental OSB panels made with Eucalyptus wood and castor oil-based polyurethane adhesive achieved physical-mechanical performance compatible with the EN 300 classification for OSB, presenting technical feasibility and excellent structural profile for civil construction applications (Sugahara et al 2022b). However, there is still no LCA study that addresses the environmental performance of this type of board.…”