Formulation and process modeling of particleboard production using hardwood saw mill wastes using experimental design

Hardwood saw mill residues have traditionally not been favoured by the particleboard industry owing to their high density and extractive contents. The work presented here deals with investigating the use of hardwood saw mill residues, which are currently treated as solid wastes, in producing industry-grade particleboard. The formulation and process modeling of particleboard production using hardwood sawmill wastes has been studied by employing experimental design and response surface method. The optimum settings found on resultant boards, were further investigated considering physical and mechanical properties of the board as well as economical considerations. It was found that industry grade hardwood particleboards can be produced in the laboratory with practical processing parameters (surface moisture, core moisture, resin load for the surface, resin load for the core, hardener content for the core, pressing time and press temperature). Formulation and validation of stochastic models for modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) are presented in this paper.