Physical and Mechanical Properties of Particleboard Laminated with Thermally Compressed Veneer

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of thermally compressed veneer laminating on some of the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard. Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) veneers were compressed under various press conditions. Commercially produced particleboard samples were laminated with such compressed veneer sheets. The density, 2-h and 24-h water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS), bending strength (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) in the parallel and perpendicular directions to grain orientation were measured. The results showed that all of the particleboards laminated with compressed veneer had higher MOR and MOE values compared to unlaminated particleboard and particleboard laminated with non-compressed veneer. In the sandwiched panels, particleboards laminated with veneer sheets and compressed at a pressure of 4 MPa and a temperature of 150 C had the highest MOR and MOE values. The MOR and MOE values decreased with increasing temperatures higher than 150 C. The TS value for 2-h and 24-h immersion times decreased with increasing press temperature. The findings of this work could provide some insight in producing sandwichtype panels with improved properties. It appears that compressed veneer using different press temperatures and pressures could be considered as an alternative way of developing sandwich-type products with satisfactory structural properties.