Study of usability of pruned branches of Lagerstroemia spp in particleboard manufacturing

The aim of this study was to investigate the usability of pruned branches of Lagerstroemia spp. as a lignocellulosic substitute for particleboard manufacturing. In this study, the pruned branches of Lagerstroemia spp. were used at three levels of 20, 30 and 50% in weight and press temperature at three levels of 160, 170 and 180 °C, and the amount of adhesive at two levels of 8 and 10 were considered as variable factors. The results showed that the flexural properties (MOR and MOE) and internal bonding were decreased by increasing the amount of pruned branches of Lagerstroemia spp.‎ in the final board composition, while the amount of water uptake and thickness swelling were increased after 2 and 24 h of immersion. On the other hand, all mechanical and physical properties including flexural properties, internal bonding, water uptake and thickness swelling were improved by increasing the amount of adhesive and press temperature, after 2 and 24 hours of immersion. Finally, the results showed that the ratio of 40% of the pruned branches of Lagerstroemia spp.‎ can be used in combination with industrial wood chips to produce particleboard.