Mechanical and Thickness Swelling of Particleboard Composites Made from Three-Year-Old Poplar Clones

Particleboards were produced from three-year-old poplar clones (e.g., Populus euramericana.costanzo, Populus euramericana. 561.41, Populus euramericana triplo, Populus euramericana vernirubensis, Populus euramericana marilandica, Populus euramericana. I-214, Populus deltoides 77.51, Populus trichocarpa, Populus nigra. betulifolia). One-layer laboratory particleboards were made with the above materials, with, board density of 0.7 gr/cm ³ , the resin type of (UF), a hardener content of (1%), a hardener type of (NH ₄ Cl), a press pressure of 30 kg/cm ² , and a press temperature of 160°C. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB). Thickness swelling of the specimens were tested according to EN Standard. Overall results showed that most panels made from above materials exceeded the EN Standards for IB, MOE, and MOR. However, thickness swelling (TS) values were higher (poor) than requirements. The highest MOR, MOE, IB were reached with P.e. costanzo, P.e. 561.41, P.e. vernirubensis and P. trichocarpa poplar clones. The lowest TS 2 h and TS 24 h were reached with P.e. 561.41 and I-214 of the three-year-old poplar clones. Most types of panels made in this study covered the MOE, MOR, and IB strength requirements for interior fitments stated in the EN Standards. Nevertheless, the TS of the panels were very poor. Poplar clone panels are suitable for interior decoration (furniture, wall, and ceiling paneling).