Evaluation of the mechanical and physical properties of particleboards manufactured from rice husk

Abstract

The effect of rice husk ratios on some physical and mechanical properties of particleboard was investigated. To meet this objective, particleboards with different proportions of wood, rice husk, urea-formaldehyde glue, and other chemicals were produced. The density, moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength, and screw withdrawal resistance of the particleboards were determined. Experimental results indicated that using rice husk in particleboard production improved the dimensional properties of the particleboards. Also, it was found that mechanical properties decreased as the amount of rice husk increased in particleboard production. This is thought to be due to the fact that silica, which is one of the main components of rice husk, weakens the bonding between lignocellulosic raw materials and glue used in particleboard production.