Comparative Evaluation of the Physical, Mechanical, and Formaldehyde Emission Properties of Commercial E1 and E2 Particleboard Manufactured in Turkey

Abstract

Physical and mechanical properties of commercial E1 and E2 grade particleboards produced by different manufacturers in Turkey were compared, and the relationships among these properties were examined. A total of 14 particleboard samples with a thickness of 18 mm, obtained from the domestic market, were evaluated. The moisture content (MC), density, formaldehyde emission, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and internal bond strength (IB) of the panels were determined; the data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, Duncan’s test, the independent samples t-test, and Pearson’s correlation analysis. The results showed that there were no significant differences between E1 and E2 panels in terms of MC and MOR (p > 0.05); however, there were significant differences in terms of density, formaldehyde emission, MOE, and IB (p < 0.05). The average formaldehyde emission was determined to be 4.84 mgF/100 g of dry panel for E1 panels and 10.73 mgF/100 g of dry panel for E2 panels. All panels met the minimum performance criteria for Class P2 as specified in the TS EN 312 (2012) standard, and the study revealed that performance differences among commercial particleboard products may exist, depending on the manufacturer and emission class.