The potential of mesquite (somr) wood in particleboard production

In this study, particleboard was produced using Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) called Somr wood. Oven dry density of stem and branch wood was measured as 0.92, 0.72 g/cm3 whereas the bark weight percentage of stem and branch wood determined as 13.6 % and14 % respectively. The influence of raw material mixture (stem wood, branch wood, the blend of stem and branch wood, 50/50 w/w) and resin content 10% and 12 % (based on dry weight of the particle) on particleboard properties were investigated. Properties such as MOR, MOE, IB, thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours immersion in water were determined according to EN standard. Except for MOE, the effect of raw material type on board properties was significant. Particleboards made from branch wood, had the highest MOR. Maximum IB was observed in boards made from the blend of stem and branch wood. With the exception of bending properties, the effect of resin content on all board properties was significant. Increasing the resin content improved board properties. The lowest value of thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours immersion in water was obtained in particleboard made from stem wood.