Chemical, physical and mechanical properties of boards produced from heat-treated Brutian Pine (Pinus Brutia Ten.) particles

In this study, FTIR spectroscopic and thermal properties of brutian pine particles treated at 120, 160 and 180 oC were investigated and the physical and mechanical properties of the boards obtained from the particles were evaluated. FTIR results showed that no significant change in the crystallinity index of the samples caused by heat treatment were determined. In the main decomposition phase of the TGA and DTG curves, less material loss occurred in the heat-treated particles compared to the control particles. However, according to TGA and DTG results, it was found that there was a significant loss of holocellulose in the particles with increasing heat treatment temperature. Due to the changes in the chemical composition of the particles by heat treatment, it was determined that the water absorption, the thickness swelling, the modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and internal bond strength of the boards produced were decreased continuously due to the increase of the heat treatment temperature. The highest mechanical properties were observed in the boards obtained from the control particles. The results showed that the physical properties of the boards produced were improved and the mechanical properties were weakened by heat treatment. For this reason, it can be suggested that the boards produced from heat treated particles can be used in decoration structures and in humid environments, that is, physical properties expected in the material and partially resistant to fire. Key Words: Heat treatment, Particleboard, Chemical, Physical properties, Mechanical properties