Investigating the possibility of particleboard manufacture using corn (zea mays) stalks

The purpose of this study was to examine the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard made using corn stalk. Mixtures of corn stalks and industrial wood particles at the ratios of 0:100, 30:70, 50:50, 70:30, urea-melamine formaldehyde resin at two levels of 10 and 12% (based on the dry weight of the particles) and two press times of 5 and 6 minutes were used for the production of laboratory particleboard. Physical and mechanical properties including water absorption and thickness swelling after 24 hours soaking in water, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding were measured and the data were statistically analyzed. It was observed that the increase in corn stalk particles in the mixture resulted in reduction of water absorption, thickness swelling after 24- hours water soaking and the internal bonding. The modulus of rupture and elasticity of the boards were increased at higher ration of corn stalk particles. The higher dosage of resin and higher press time imposed significant effect on all properties boards and improving properties were reached. In general, comparing the produced boards properties with EN 312 requirements, the boards produced using 70% corn stalk particles, 12% urea-melamine formaldehyde and 6 minutes press time showed optimal properties.