INVESTIGATION ON UTILIZATION OF COTTON STALK IN PARTICLEBOARD PRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to investigation the utilization of cotton stalk and Eucalyptus wood (E. Camaldulensis) in particleboard production. Experimental boards were produced with using of 0, 25, 50 and 75% cotton stalk particles with Eucalyptus wood particles, press time at 3, 4 and 5 minutes. 36 boards were produced and physical & mechanical properties of their tested and analyzed. The results indicated that the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of boards with increasing of cotton stalk particles were modified significantly, and MOR and MOE of boards produced with 75% cotton stalk and 25% of Eucalyptus wood particles were maximum. The results indicated that the internal bonds (IB) of boards with increasing press time were improved and the IB of boards produced at 5 minutes of press time was maximum, in order to the lowest of thickness swelling (T.S) of boards observed in same conditions. However thickness swelling of boards produced with 50 and 75% cotton stalk were higher than other treatments, significantly. The results of this study showed that in conditions that apply of species with high density such as Eucalyptus is unavoidable in particleboard production. Between 50 to 75 percent of wood materials that utilized in particleboard production, can be obtained from cotton stalk and with apply of their in particleboards can be produced particleboards in standard levels