Optimization of the use of boric acid as an alternative commercial flame retardant in the production of particlebo-ard

The type, amount, and additives of adhesive used in the production of wood-based panels directly affect the panel properties. Therefore, optimization of the adhesive consumption due to the addition of boric acid as a flame retardant is important in terms of panel proper-ties and production cost. The subject of the study is the optimization of boron acid (BA) and melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) consumption parameters in flame retardant parti-cleboard production. According to previous studies, BA is more effective than other alter-native boron- based flame retardants in panel production, and MUF adhesive is mostly used in the production of flame-resistant commercial wood-based panels. In our study, an optimum ratio was determined by using different combinations of BA and MUF adhesives to produce flame- retardant particleboards with standard features. Then, new experimental boards were produced using UF adhesive and commercial flame retardant chemicals in accordance with the determined optimum ratio. The physical, mechanical, and combustion resistance properties of the produced boards were determined. The obtained data were compared with commercial flame-retardant panel properties and standard data, and the optimum BA and MUF adhesive consumption amounts were determined. The obtained data were evaluated with the MINITAB-2020 statistical data analysis program. As a result of the study, when evaluated in terms of combustion class and physical and mechanical test results, the optimum adhesive ratio (MUF) was found to be 9% in the core layer and 12% on the surface layer, and the optimum boric acid ratio was found to be 15% in the core layer and 20% on the surface layer. It was determined that the thickness swell-ing, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, perpendicular tensile strength, and surface durability resistance values of group A panels meet the standard limits and have similar properties to flame-resistant panels sold in the market. In cone calorimeter test results, it was observed that all experimental panels except the BA 10/20 test in group A achieved B-class flame resistance. According to ASTM-E69 standard, mass loss was found to be 13.21% in group A panels and 4.56% in commercial flame-resistant panels.