Investigation of the use of tetramethyl orthosilicate (Alkoxysilane) on compatibility, mechanical and physical properties of wood-cement particleboard

In this research, the effect of chemical treatment of palm particles with alkoxysilan on the mechanical and physical properties of wood-cement particleboard was investigated. For this purpose, palm particles were chemically treated with 7.5% and 15% alkoxysilane to make wood cement particleboard with a weight ratio of 30 to 70 and in the presence of 5% calcium chloride (based on the dry weight of cement). Test samples of mechanical (bending strength and modulus of elasticity and internal bonding) and physical (water absorption and thickness swelling) were prepared in three levels of control, 7.5% and 15% alkoxysilane according to the European standard. The results showed that the chemical treatment of palm particles with alkoxysilane had a positive effect on the mechanical and physical properties of wood cement particleboards, so that with the increase of alkoxysilane up to 15%, the maximum mechanical resistance and the lowest physical properties were obtained. The significant increase in the resistance and physical properties of the boards resulting from the addition of 15% alkoxy silane can be attributed to the reaction between the hydroxyl groups of the palm constituents with the active groups of alkoxysilane and greater cohesion between the palm particles and cement. In order to describe the effectiveness of chemical treatment, discriminate analyzes such as infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used. The results of Fourier transform infrared show an increase in the intensity of the peaks related to Si-O bonds in the samples modified with alkoxysilane and as a result of the chemical modification of palm particles. Also, the uniform and coherent structure of the scanning electron microscope of wood cement particleboard modified with silane agent has indicated the chemical reaction between palm particles, alkoxysilane and cement, and as a result, more compatibility and entanglement between modified palm particles and cement.