Investigation the effect of recycled polyethylene powder on physical and mechanical properties of three-layer particleboard

In this study, physical and mechanical properties of three-layer particleboard produced by recycled polyethylene powder and wood particles is investigated. For this purpose, recycled polyethylene powder in different levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) and urea - formaldehyde resin in two levels of 5 and 10% were used. Mechanical and physical properties including density, water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours immersion in the water, bending strength, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding were measured. The results showed that with increasing of recycled polyethylene, bending strength, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding in comparison with control sample (without polyethylene) considerably improved. Adding urea formaldehyde resin had significant effect on the bending strength, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding. Water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours immersion in water decreased with increasing of recycled polyethylene content, so that the highest and lowest content related to lack of using recycled polyethylene and 50% of recycled polyethylene respectively were. With increasing of urea formaldehyde resin from 5 to 10%, bending strength, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding increased and water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours decreased. The urea-formaldehyde resin content can be reduced in the particleboard as good function of polyethylene powder in improving strengths. On the basis of results of this study can be offered 40% recycled polyethylene and 5% urea-formaldehyde resin treatment.