Evaluation of steam pretreatment of poplar wood particles on the mechanical

In this research the effect of steam pretreatment on the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard were evaluated. Steam pre-treatment was applied on the particles of poplar wood in a stainless steel reactor at four different temperature (155, 165, 175 and 185 ◦C) and three different retention time (15, 30 and 45 min). The obtained results indicated that mechanical properties include MOR and IB content of the particleboard decreased, whereas MOE increased initially then decreased with severity of treatment conditions. The physical properties of the board i.e. thickness swelling, water absorption and consequently dimensional stability were improved by steam pretreatment. The observed changes can be attributed to reduction in hemicelluloses content and hydroxyl groups within wood component.