Industrial Crops & Products 28 (2): 225–230.
In this study, the influence of press cycle time and resin content (RC) on some of the physical and mechanical properties of single-layer particleboard manufactured from the low-quality raw materials were determined. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), saltcedar (Tamarix stricta) and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) wood, which is underutilized invasive species in southern parts of Iran,were used as alternative rawmaterials for particleboardmanufacturing. Variable factorswere as resin content (9, 10 and 11%) and press time (PT) (4, 5 and 6 min). Other parameters such as type of resin (UF), hardener content (2%), type of hardener (NH4Cl), press-closing time (4.5 mm/s), board density (0.75 g/cm3), press pressure (30 kg/m2) and press temperature (160 ◦C) were held constant. The experimental panels were tested for their mechanical strength including modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bonding (IB) and physical stability properties (thickness swelling) according to the procedures defined by European Union (EN) Standard. Overall results showed that most panels made fromabove-mentioned materials exceed the EN Standards for IB,MOEand MOR. The mechanical properties of particleboardwere improved as the resin content increased from 9 to 11%. The results indicated that the polymerization of resin andwood is better at 11% resin content and 5 min of press time.However, thickness-swelling (TS) values were higher (poor) than requirements. Panels made of mesquite, saltcedar and date palm with a resin content of 11% and pressed for 5 min is adequate for general uses while eucalyptus with a resin content of 11% and pressed for 6min is suitable for interior decoration.