The effect of particle drying temperature on the physical, mechanical and surface properties of particleboard

In this study, the effect of particle temperature on the physical, mechanical and surface properties of particleboard was investigated. For this aim, particles were dried at 4 different temperatures, 100°C, 125°C, 150°C, and 180°C, respectively.While increasing drying temperature did not affect the density and moisture content, it significantly improved the thickness swelling of particleboard. Modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bond strength were negatively affected by the increasing drying temperature. Contact angle and surface roughness increased with increasing drying temperature, and wettability was negatively affected by this situation.It was stated that 1% NaOH and alcohol-benzene solubilities were increased, pH and amount of holocellulose were decreased, water (hot/cold) solubilities and amount of lignin and cellulose was not affected by increasing of drying temperature.Particleboards which produced form particles at drying temperatures of 100°C, 125°C, and 150°C met the required level of mechanical properties for general usage and furniture production. But, particleboards which produced from particles at drying temperature of 180°C only had the required level of mechanical properties for general usage standard.