Physical and mechanical properties of particle board of Pinus radiata D. Don and maize residues

Introduction: Particle board production is based on the use of sawmill and remanufacturing residues; however, the availability of this raw material has decreased significantly due to its use as biomass for firewood fuel.Objective: To evaluate the effect of the replacement level of maize (Zea mays L.) and Pinus radiata D. Don residues on physical and mechanical board properties.Materials and methods: Maize and P. radiata residue proportions between 0 % (control) and 30 % maize were evaluated. Urea-formaldehyde adhesive was used in proportions of 7.5 % and 9.5 % for fine and thick particles, respectively; pressing was based on industrial parameters with a thickness of 10 mm and 0.77 g∙cm-3 density. Physical and mechanical properties were determined according to particle board standards.Results: Thickness, density, moisture, modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture were similar among maize residue proportions and met the industrial requirement. At 2 and 24 h, absorption and swelling met the industrial and regulatory requirement, except for swelling at 2 h when 30 % maize residues was used. The internal bond (IB) met the industrial requirement with all proportions, but from 20 % onwards there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Maize residue proportions between 0 and 10 % had similar performance. A proportion of up to 20 % maize provided regulatory and industrial compliance, so it has potential for the particle board industry.