Evaluation of cattail (Typha spp.) for manufacturing composite panels

• Low density particleboards with outstanding mechanical properties were made using cattail and wheat straw fibers.
• Strongest boards were obtained from a blend of 75% cattail and 25% wheat straw fibers as compared to 100% wheat or cattails.
• Waxy cuticular layer on wheat straw can impacted the board properties.

Cattail [Typha latifolia or Typha angustifolia] is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to Typhaceae family. In the U.S., it is widely seen invading marshes, pond, lake, river and drainage ditches thus impeding water flow and increased siltation. A study was conducted to evaluate the application of cattail as potential cellulosic raw material for the manufacturing of commercial composite panels (particleboards). Particleboards of low density (0.48 g/cm3) were prepared using hot press and by varying the proportion of cattail and wheat straw and mixing with 3% methylene diphenyl diisocyanate resin (pMDI). The density, particle size distribution, water absorption, internal bond strength and flexural properties were measured on the resulting particleboards. The results of the experiment showed that a blend of 75% cattail and 25% wheat straw particles exhibited superior average mechanical properties for application in the particleboards. Overall the mixed blends performed better than the control 100% wheat straw or cattail in flexural stiffness, flexural strength, internal bond and water absorption tests.