Use of Infused Black Tea Leaf Wastes in Particleboard Production

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of using infused black tea leaf wastes (TLW) on the three-layer particleboard's mechanical, physical, and formaldehyde emission properties. Particleboards were composed of 70% core layer and 30% surface layers. The TLW was used in the core layer, surface layers, or as whole material. Mechanical and physical properties, including internal bond strength, modulus of rupter, modulus of elasticity, water absorption, thickness swelling, and density of the samples, were determined according to EN 319 (1993), EN 310 (1993), EN 317 (1993), and EN 323 (1993) standards, respectively. The perforator method determined the formaldehyde content EN 120, (1999). Results showed that 100% TLW utilization in surface layers (Board Type: T/W/T), core layer (Board Type: W/T/W), or whole particleboard (Board Type: T) did not provide the standard internal bond (IB) requirement of 0.35 N/mm². W, 15%T+85%W, and 30%T+70% board groups fulfilled the IB strength TS EN 319, (1993). 15%T+85%W board group provided the best modulus of rupter values. The amount of formaldehyde emission in the groups with 15%T+85%W, 30%T +70%W met the E1  standard. Results showed that TLW could be an alternative raw material by mixing with wood particles in particleboard production.