Vertical density profile, a key parameter for evaluating of particleboard quality

Abstract
To study the quality particleboard wood-based of density profile and due to the influence of mat moisture (8,10,12 and 14) %, press temperature(150, 160, 170 and 180) °C and time of press closing (10, 20 and 30) s on the density profile. An accurate thicknesses was used to get layers from the experimental panels and consequently, determine the density of each layer. The results showed the density gradient was increased with decreasing of press closing time and density differences increased between outer and inner layers. As density was increased and mat moisture was reduced, internal bonding was increased. According the manufacturing condition of each treatment, increasing mat moisture caused to compression of outer layers, density and improvement of modulus of rupture. According to the results obtained by the factors controlling the density profile in this study, most of the physical and mechanical strength of the board at the EN-317, EN-310 and EN-319 were measured at or higher than it has been. Mat moisture and press temperature was affected more on density profile than other factors.