Effect of particle size on bamboo particle board properties

ABSTRACT In this work, bamboo chips (Dendrocalamus asper) were crushed according to four particle size classes (A = -35+40 mesh; B = -40+48 mesh; C = -48+60 mesh; D = -60+65 mesh) to produce particleboards with four different compositions (100%A; 75%A + 25% B; 50%A + 50%B; 25%A + 25%B + 25%C + 25%D). Each composition was considered a treatment. The aim was to verify the effect on the physical and mechanical properties of panels. The test methods and requirements to evaluate the properties were based on NBR 14810 Brazilian standard. The results showed that the particle size used in compositions showen no significant effect on moisture content, density, thickness swelling (24 hours), internal bonding or resistance to screw withdrawal (face and side) of panels. Significant effects were verified on water absorption (2 and 24 hours), thickness swelling (2 hours), MOR and MOE to static bending.