Particleboards from second growth wood of Nothofagus: Effect of pressing temperature and time

Abstract

The influence of temperature and pressing time on physical and mechanical properties of particleboard produced with a mixture of Nothofagus species was studied. Four temperatures (130°C, 150°C, 170°C and 190°C) and three pressing times (4, 5 and 6 min.) were applied. Board density was 700 kg/m3.
The time needed to reach 100°C at the center of the board was reduced from 2 to 1 min. with higher pressing temperature. Bending strength was not affected by variables in the study. Internal bond was affected by press temperature and time. The effect of increasing press temperature was favorable to thickness swelling.