Effect of Using Oak (Quercus pontica) Leaves on Particleboard Quality

Abstract

Physical (thickness swelling) and mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond) properties of the particleboard samples produced by mixing spruce (Picea orientalis) particles and oak (Quercus pontica) leaves at various ratios were investigated. Chemical composition of oak leaves and spruce wood (holocellulose, cellulose, lignin, ash content, alcohol-benzene solubility, 1% NaOH solubility, hot and cold-water solubility) were determined. Single-layer test panels were produced using urea-formaldehyde adhesive. Increasing the oak leaf content in the furnish negatively affected the mechanical strength properties, while improving the thickness swelling resistance. However, the particleboard samples produced with 10% oak leaves addition met the minimum mechanical requirements for general uses. Overall, it was found that oak leaves could be used as an alternative supplementary raw material source in the particleboard industry when blended with wood particles.