Investigation of mechanical and physical properties of cement bonded particleboard produced from waste sunflower stalks

Sunflower stalks (Helianthus annuus) were studied as an alternative raw material for cement bonded particleboard. Experimental cement bonded particleboards measuring 500×500×12 mm with nominal density of 1300 kg/m3 were produced using different ratios of sunflower stalk particles with wood. The amount of sunflower stalk particles added to wood chips is 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % by weight of wood chips. The ratio between wood/sunflower particle and cement is 1:3 and 1:2 by weight. CaCl2, which is used as cement setting accelerator, was added to the mixture 5% by weight of cement. The water used in the mixture was 40% by weight of cement. Properties of the cement bonded particleboards evaluated include water absorption, thickness swelling, screw withdrawal strength and bending properties. Results of the study showed that addition of small amount of sunflower stalks in the production of cement bonded particleboard does not significantly influence the properties tested. Inclusion of more stalks in the mixture significantly decreases mechanical properties and raises thickness swelling and water absorption values of the cement bonded particleboard. Results indicate that boards which include small amount of sunflower stalks provide properties required by the standards for general purpose-use cement bonded particleboards.