Investigation the possibility of particleboard manufacturing using Hemp stalk

The purpose of this study was to use of Hemp stalks in particleboard production. Mixtures of Hemp stalk and Eucalyptus wood at the ratios of 0:100, 50:50, 100:0 were used. Also two resin content of 8 and 10% (based on oven dry particle) and 2 press times of 3 and 4 minutes were employed for the production of laboratory particleboard. Physical and mechanical properties including thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours soaking in water, modulus of rapture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding were measured data were statistically analyzed. It was observed that the increase in Hemp stalk particles in the mixture resulted in increasing of bending properties (bending strength and modulus of elasticity) and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours water soaking. Also the results showed that increase in Hemp stalk particles in the mixture resulted in reduction of internal bonding. As expected, physical and mechanical properties of particleboard improved with increasing resin content. Modulus of elasticity and thickness swelling after 24 hours water soaking were improved with increasing of press time. In general, comparing the produced board mechanical properties with standard of Iran requirements, the board produced using 100% and 50% Hemp stalk, 8% resin content and 3 minutes press time showed that optimal properties. Although the physical properties of the boards did not meet the standard values, the reason for this could not be due to the lack of use of paraffin.