Mechanical and Physical Properties of Particleboard Produced from Hemp Plant

Abstract

Effects of annual hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) material on the mechanical and physical properties of particleboard was investigated. For this purpose, various levels of hemp shives 10%, 20%, and 30% were added to the middle layer of the chip blank. Urea formaldehyde (UF) resin was used at a 7% level in the middle layer and 12% in the top layer, in proportion to the dry chip weight, as an adhesive. Chip blanks were pressed in a hydraulic press at 195±5 °C temperature, 30 kg/cm² pressure, and 300 s.  Test samples of P1 type with dimensions of 550 × 550 × 19 mm and a density of 580 kg/m³ were produced. It was understood from the test results that hemp sawdust had a positive effect on the mechanical properties of particleboard. Accordingly, a 16.7% increase in tensile strength, 18.4% in bending strength, 23.6% in elasticity modulus, 17.2% in surface strength, and 7.5% in screw holding force were detected. Physical properties showed a 3.8% increase in thickness and a 15.5% increase in water absorption values. Free formaldehyde values decreased by 24.6%. As a result of the research, it was determined that hemp sawdust could be an alternative to wood raw material in P1 type particle board production.