Utilization of cotton stalks (Gossypium hirsitum L.) as a possible raw material for the particleboard production

Proceedings of the 56th Appita Annual General Conference -- 18 March 2002 through 20 March 2002 -- Rotorua -- 61637The objective of this study was to produce particleboards for general purpose use by utilizing stalks of cotton grown in Turkey. Shortage of raw materials in the wood industry resulted in the search for new resources. This is also true for the particleboard industry. It is really necessary to find alternative sources of raw material in order to reduce deforestation. The goal of this study is to investigate the possible contribution to the economy by utilising the cotton stalks in the production of particleboards. It is concluded that the cotton stalks as a cheap raw material compared to woody sources can be used to produce the particleboards that can meet with the required standards. Utilization of cotton stalks as a raw material does not only bring solution to the shortage of raw materials in the particleboard industry, but also allows a decrease in deforestation. In this study, water absorption, thickness swelling, bending strength internal bond properties of particleboards produced with cotton stalks at various resin addition levels and density ranges were studied. It was found that the particleboards produced at a 0.60-0.70 g/cm3 density range showed technological properties acceptable to the standards