BENDING MOMENT CAPACITY OF L-TYPE FURNITURE CORNER JOINTS CONSTRUCTED OF PARTICLEBOARD PRODUCED FROM VINE PRUNING RESIDUES

Tests were carried out to investigate the utilization of vineyard pruning residues in panel products as a structural material for manufacturing of the furniture cases. For this purpose, bending moment capacities of L-type corner joints that are constructed of vineyard pruning residues panels were determined. Experimental panel materials were produced under laboratory conditions at different ratios of vine pruning residues (VP) and Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood chips (WC). Urea formaldehyde (UF) adhesive was used as binder in all mixtures during the production process. In assembling the L-type specimens, 2 types of joint techniques were utilized that included screws and dowels. L type corner joints were tested under static diagonal compression and tension loads for determining the bending moment capacity. According to the test results generally, the panels constructed of vine pruning in various ratios yielded allowable bending moment capacities compared to the control (E) panels as a structural material for construction of the case furniture. However, it was taken into consideration that some strength improvements should be made in order to reach the strength values that are given in standards. Results indicated that some properties at certain proportions of pruning/wood particles can give satisfactory values.