Investigation of the effect of boron and carbon nanotube on particleboard properties

In this study, the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of particleboards produced using two different types of glue (Ureaformaldehyde (UF) and Melamine ureaformaldehyde (MUF)), four different types of boron (Zincborate (ÇB), Borax decahydrate (BD), Etidot (ED), Eticol (EC)), three different proportions (%3, %7, %11), and three different carbon nanotube (CNT) ratios (%0.5, %1, %1.5) were investigated. TGA, SEM-EDS and FTIR analyses were used to determine the chemical properties and surface contact angle measurements were also performed. As the CNT ratio increased, water uptake rate and thickness increase rates improved: Water absorption rate (%4-22 (UF), %5-37 (MUF)) and thickness increase rates (%4.19-6.63 (UF), %3.65-5.84 (MUF)). In general, the physical properties of UF glued boards were better than MUF glued boards. It was determined that as the CNT usage rate increases, the improvement in mechanical properties continues up to %1, while there is a decreasing trend at %1.5 CNT usage. In addition, it was determined that the mechanical values obtained from UF glued boards were better than MUF glued boards. TGA analysis showed that the initial decomposition temperatures of the particleboards increased with the use of boron and CNT. Surface contact angle measurements showed that the particleboards gained hydrophobic properties with the increase in the use of CNT. FTIR analysis showed that significant changes occurred in OH-CH2-CH3 and ester groups. EDS analysis revealed that C, Na, Ca and Zn elements were highly present in the particleboards.