Compression molded composites were made from wood particles and a liquefied wood/phenol/formaldehyde co-condensed resin. Based on our previous research, a phenol to wood (P1W) ratio of 2/1 was chosen for this study. The two experimental variables selected were: 1) liquefaction temperature (1500 and 180°C) and 2) cooking method (atmospheric and sealed). Panels were tested in static bending for m...

Extensive research has been carried out on the thickness swell (TS) behavior of different types of wood composite panels. Of particular interest, studies investigating layer TS behavior have been carried out by Wang and Winistorfer (2003, 2001, 2000), and Xu and Winistorfer (1995a and 1995b). Results from these studies clearly indicate that the majority of TS in wood composite panels, such as m...

Effects were studied of 200 ppm silver and copper nano-suspensions, with size range from 20 to 80 nm, on the hardness of particleboards produced at an industrial scale at the Iran-Choob Factory, Iran. Metal nano-suspensions were added to the mat at two levels of 100 and 150 milli-liters/kg dry weight wood particles, and the results were compared with those of the control panels. Results showed ...

This study investigated resistance ofexperimental particleboard-chip panels manufactured from eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) to feeding by the wood-destroying eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermesjlavipes (Kollar). Eastern redcedar raw chips with or without foliage, and 2.5 by 2.5 by 1.3-cm rectangular blocks of single-layer or triple-layer particleboard-chip panels with or w...

This study was carried out in 2011 to investigate the suitability of date palm midribs (Phoenix dactelifera L.) as a lignocellulosic material for the production of wood-cement composite panels, in addition to enhancement their compatibility with cement using various pretreatments and chemical additives. Materials used for this study were midribs of fronds of different date palm varieties availa...

Differing from the hot-pressing method in the manufacturing of traditional wood-rubber composites (WRCs), this study was aimed at fabricating WRCs using rubber processing to improve water resistance and mechanical properties. Three steps were used to make WRCs, namely, fiber-rubber mixing, tabletting, and the vulcanization molding process. Ninety-six WRC panels were made with wood fiber content...

Some scientific contributions have used near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a rapid and reliable tool for characterizing engineered wood products. However, to our knowledge, there are no published papers that used this technique in order to evaluate wood-cement panels. The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the ability of NIR spectroscopy to estimate physical and mechanical properties...