The Potential of Utilization of Cotton Stalk Residues In Particleboard Production

The potential of cotton stalks residues for the production of particleboard was investigated. Three resin dosage gradients (10% core:10% surface; 9%core:11% surface and 8% core:12% surface) and three press times (3, 4 and 5 minutes) were selected as the variables were produced. Then the mechanical and physical properties of the boards were measured and statistically analyzed. The results of modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bonding (IB) measurements showed that as the resin dosage gradient increases, these properties increased and the effect of this variable on these properties was statistically significant. The highest values were reached when either 2 or 4% resin dosage gradients were applied. The effect of resin dosage gradient on thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours immersion in water was also statistically significant and these properties were improved. The effect of press time on thickness swelling was also statistically significant and the lowest thickness swelling was observed at 5 minutes press time. The results indicated that if 2 or 4% resin dosage gradients and either 4 or 5 minutes press time is applied for the manufacturing of particleboards using cotton stalks residues, the specification of the boards meet the EN specification