Mechanical Properties of Wood-Polypropylene Composites with Industrial Wood Particles of Different Sizes

Industrial wood particles used for manufacturing three-layer particleboards were used to prepare wood-polypropylene composites by an injection molding process. The effect of particle size (0.25-0.5, 0.5-1, 1-2, and 2-4 mm) on mechanical properties of composites was investigated. Additionally, the effect of cross-section size of composite pieces (4 x 10, 6 x 15, and 8 x 20 mm2) was studied. Both particle size and specimen cross-section area significantly influenced these properties. Tensile and mechanical properties as well as impact strength increased with increasing particle size from 0.25-2 mm and then slightly decreased. Flexural and impact strength decreased with increasing cross-section size, whereas variation of tensile modulus and strength and of flexural modulus with increasing cross-section size was different for composites with different particle sizes

Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Particleboards with the Core Layer Made from Willow (Salix viminalis)

The objective of this study was to investigate some mechanical and physical properties of three-layer particleboards with the core layer made from various willow (Salix viminalis) and industrial pine wood particle mixtures. Increasing willow content slightly worsened the modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture but improved internal bond, screw holding, water absorption, and thickness swelling. The effects of resin content in the core layer and the density of particleboards were also studied. Mechanical properties, especially modulus of elasticity and internal bond, of particleboards with willow particles met the requirements of EN 312 standard for boards of type P2. The willow (Salix viminalis) can be considered as a substitute for pine wood for the manufacturing of the core layer of three-layer particleboards