Possibilities of the Pinus pinaster Ait. leaves usage in the particleboard industry

SUMMARY Possibilities of The Pinus pinaster Ait Leaves Usage in The Particleboard Industry In this study; physical (specific gravity, moisture content, thickness swelling) and mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bonding strength) properties of particleboards made from Pinus pinaster Ait. Leaves and Eucalyptus globulos Labill. Wood were investigated. In addition, anatomical and chemical (pH, solubility in alcohol-benzen, 1% NaOH and hot water) properties of raw materials were determinated. Pinus pinaster Ait leaves usage decreased the mechanical properties and improved the thickness swelling of particleboard. According to the results; It was stated that leaves pick on February could be used by about 50 % in the core layer of particleboard. Particleboards made form leaves pick on September had lower mechanical properties and thickness swelling values than those of boards from leaves pick on February. Key Words; Particleboard, Leaf, Physical Properties, Mechanical Properties, Anatomical Properties, Chemical Properties VIII