Dimensional stabilisation and strength of particleboard by chemical modification with propionic anhydride

Chemical modification of wood chips using propionic anhydride resulted in improved dimensional stability of particle boards manufactured with these chips. The TS values of the UF bonded boards were about 104% lower than controls and were in accordance with the stringent requirements of the ANSI standard. The internal bond strength, however, decreased significantly, but was still substantially higher than the requirements of the EN 312 and ANSI standards for P4 load-bearing boards or M3 boards. As in the case of acetylated chips, the majority of failure was due to the resin and not to wood.