Investigation on the possibility of oriented strand board (OSB) production from hornbeam wood

In this study, the possibility of three-layered oriented strand board production from hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) wood was evaluated. Two levels of press time (6 and 8 minutes) and three levels of press temperature (180˚C, 200˚C and 220˚C) were applied and 12 mm thick laboratory boards were made from hornbeam wood. The strands on the surface layers were aligned in the long direction of the board and the middle layer strands are cross aligned to the surface layers. In all treatments, board targeted density of 0/7 g/cm3 and mat moisture content of 7% and phenol-formaldehyde resin (PF) content of 7% based on the oven dry weight of the strands were kept constant. The mechanical and physical properties of the boards were measured as defined in relevant European standards test methods EN 300. The internal bound (IB) and thickness swelling (TS24) of boards were significantly improved as the press time increased from 6 to 8 minutes. The modulus of rupture (MOR) and internal bound (IB) and thickness swelling (TS24) were significantly improved as the press temperature increased from 180˚C to 220˚C. Overall results showed that the highest MOR and IB and the lowest TS24 were achieved at 8 minutes press time and 220˚C press temperature and all boards made from this mentioned conditions exceed the EN 300 standards for MOR, MOE, IB and TS24.