Optimization of properties of cement-bonded particleboard manufactured from cotton stalk and sawdust containing calcium chloride CaCl2 as an additive

The aim of this study was investigation of hydration behavior and mechanical properties of cement-bonded particleboard manufactured from different ratio of cotton stalk to poplar wood particle, sawdust content and CaCl2 as additive at different weight ratios. At the first, curing time of cement paste containing different amount of additive (CaCl2) and wood and cotton fines was determined. Besides, the effect of additive (CaCl2) content, weight ratio of cotton to poplar wood particles and percentage of sawdust on modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bonding (IB) of cement-bonded particleboard was evaluated by response surface methodology (RSM). In order to optimize the properties of panels, a mathematical model equation (second order plan) was done by a computer simulation program. According to results, there is a good coincidence between predicted values and actual values (R2 for MOR, MOE and IB was 0.93, 0.90 and 0.95, respectively). This study showed that the response surface methodology (RSM) can be effectively used for modeling of panel properties. Results showed that using weight ratio of cotton to poplar particle 43:57 the MOR, MOE and IB of panels can be reached to maximum values (12.5, 2545 and 0.35 MPa, respectively). Simultaneously, application of 4.5% additive and 9% sawdust at had a positive effect on the properties of the panels.