The impact of reeds residue addition on physical and mechanical properties of particleboard made from pomegranate prunings

The impact of reeds residue addition on physical and mechanical properties of particleboard made from pomegranate pruning was investigated. Laboratory particleboard was made applying one of the three levels of press time (3, 4 and 5 minutes) and one of the four levels of reed and pomegranate pruning mixture (1-100% reeds; 2- 75% reeds + 25% pomegranate pruning; 3- 50% reeds + 50% pomegranate pruning and 4- 25% reeds + 75% pomegranate pruning). Boards were made in three replicate and 36 boards were made. Boards were tested using relevant EN standard and results were analyzed based on complete randomized design (CRD) under factorial experiment. Results revealed that increasing of pomegranate pruning in the wood mixture imposed positive effect on MOR, MOE, IB and thickness swelling of the particleboard. The relevant values of MOR, and MOE of the boards produced using 25% reeds + 75% pomegranate pruning were determined as 16.20 MPa and 2533 MPa respectively. Also thickness swelling after for 2 and 24 hours soaking in water decreased from 17.51 and 33.21% to 9.33 and 16.84% respectively. Internal bond strength (IB) of boards made applying 3 minutes press time (0.17 MPa.) was higher than boards made pressed for either 4 or 5 minutes, which indicates that 3 minutes press time is the appropriate time to approach maximum MOR and minimum thickness swelling after 24 hours soaking in water.