Manufacturing particleboard panels from betel palm (Areca catechu Linn.)

This study is an attempt to investigate the use of betel palm (Areca catechu Linn.) to manufacture experimental particleboard panels. The panels were tested for their mechanical and physical properties according to the procedures defined by Chinese National Standards [Chinese National Standard (CNS), CNS-2215 Particleboard, Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, MOEA, Taiwan, ROC, 1999]. The highest modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB), and screw holding strength values of the samples were found as 2180 N/mm2, 14.6 N/mm2, 0.78 N/mm2 and 600 N/mm2 for the panels made using 10% urea formaldehyde with a target density of 0.70 g/cm3, respectively. Overall physical and mechanical properties of both types of panels produced with and without adding wax into the mats resulted in accepted values. Based on the findings in this study, it appears that betel palm can be used to manufacture value-added panels without having any significant adverse influence on board properties.