The effect of alkali treatment of bamboo on the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard made from bamboo - industrial wood particles

In this study, physical and mechanical properties of single layer particleboard made from bamboo powder (with and without alkali treatment) and wood particles were investigated. Bamboo powder (30 mesh particles) was treated with 5% hydroxide sodium for 120 minutes. Industrial wood chips from Sanate Choube Shomal Company were used.The variable in this research were the ratio of bamboo powder (with and without alkali treatment) to wood chips (at four levels; 0:100, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70). Urea formaldehyde resin used at 10 percent level of dry weight of raw material as well as ammonium chloride was used as a catalyst at 2 percent level of the dry weight of adhesive. Physical and mechanical properties of panels measured according to EN Standard. Mechanical properties of the particleboards made from treated bamboo was superior to the relevant untreated bamboo. Water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours immersion in water decreased with alkali treatment. Mercerization, or treating cellulose fibers in alkaline solution, because of fibrillation, the removal of lignin and hemicellulose enhances the mechanical properties and dimension stability of the particleboard by promoting resin-fiber mechanical interlocking at the interface. Results showed, there was usability of the treated bamboo up to 30 percent for general purpose boards for use in dry conditions.