The Potential of utilizing corn cop in particleboard production

The aim of this investigation was concentrated on the possibilty of untilizing corn cops residues in the production of particleboard. Two press temperatures of 170 and 180 oC, and four ratios of corn cop/poplar wood particles (100/0, 75/25, 50/50 and 25/75) in the corn layer of the boards and 100% poplar wood particles in the surface layer were used. A combination of 16 treatments were reached and three laboratory boards for each treatment were made. Physical and mechanical properties of the boards were measured and statistically analyzed. The grouping of the averages were based on duncan multiple range test. The results indicated that the influence of the press temperature on both modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity was statistically significante and boards produced applying 170 oC reached higher values. As the ratio of the corn cop particles in the particle mixture in core layer increased, both modulus of rupture and internal bonding deteriorated and the highest value were measured at 50/50 ratio of the particle in the core layer. The Boards which produced applying higher press temperature exhibited hgiher rate of thickness swelling . Lower ratios of the corn cop particle in the mixture of particles in the core layer improved the properties of the boards. So that the ratio of 50/50/ and 25/75 produced lower thickness swelling. The results of this research revealed that eventhough boards produced using corn cop particles did not produce comparable properties to the boards based on poplar particles, but it can be concluded that if 50/50 ratio of particles, press temperature of 170 oC is used for board making, the mechanical properties of the produced boards will meet the requirement of DIN specifications.