Dimensional Stability and Mechanical Properties of Particleboard Made from Acetylated Bagasse

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of three-layer particleboard produced from linear chain carboxylic acid anhydride modified bagasse particles. Modification was performed via esterification of bagasse using acetic anhydride without using any catalyst and solvent at 120 oC for 240 min at lab scale. Bagasse with two particle sizes including fine (0.2-0.4 mm) and coarse (0.8-1.2 mm) were modified. Different weight percent gains (WPGs) were obtained with different sizes and reagents. Acetylated and unmodified bagasse particles were pressed into three-layer particleboards using phenol formaldehyde (resole type). The physical and mechanical properties of the boards were tested. The particleboards made from esterified bagasse particles were more dimensionally stable (about 87%) than control boards made from untreated bagasse. But the mechanical and physical properties of the modified boards were lower than control board.