Durability and strength properties of particle boards from polystyrene-wood wastes

This paper presents the results of experimental study on the production of particle boards from wastes of wood and expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). Two different particle sizes of wood wastes and two different dosages of EPS resin were used as binders in the boards (WPP). Modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and physical properties were analysed. Effects of long-term immersion in water for 7-28 days on the properties of the particleboards were similarly evaluated. SEM and FTIR were used to analyse the specimens. The results showed that water absorption decreased as EPS content was increased from 1.5 to 2.0 and thickness swelling indicated that WPP with 0.85 mm particle sizes and 1.5 resin dosages had the least value between 2.38 and 3.51% after 7-28 days of prolonged immersion in water. MOR and MOE indicated that the optimum performances of the WPP boards were recorded before the prolonged immersion in water at 4.3 MPa and 187.8 MPa. WPP with 0.85 and 1.75 mm particle sizes with 2.0 resin dosage had good post immersion performance. This study demonstrated that wood and EPS wastes are sustainable materials for producing composite wood based panels that are still durable in moist environment.