Utilization of corn stalk in particleboard production

The use of corn stalk residues in combination with poplar wood for particleboard production is investigated. Four combinations of corn stalk and P.nigra particles (100% corn stalk; 75% corn stalk, 25% poplar wood; 50% corn stalk, 50% poplar wood and 25% corn stalk, 75% poplar wood) is used. Two resin contents of 10 and 12% and two press temperatures of 170 and 180 C were employed. The results showed that increasing press temperature from 170 to 180 C, decreased both MOR and MOE of boards and increasing resin content from 10% to 12%, improved MOR. When the ratio of poplar wood to corn stalk increased, both MOR and MOE of the boards increased and the highest values were reached at 50% and 75% poplar wood. Higher press temperature and lower ratio of corn stalk improved internal bond (IB). Higher press temperature, resin content and lower ratio of corn stalk, decreased thickness swelling. Based on the results, with the application of either 25% to 50% corn stalk and press temperature of 170 C, standard particleboard can be produced.