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Development of lightweight wood-based panels by means of particles with defined orientation and morphology. Subproject 2
Project
Project code: 22012814
Contract period: 01.10.2014
- 30.09.2016
Budget: 160,434 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Less and less wood is to be used for the production of particleboard. At the same time, however, the properties of the panels should not change. The use of innovative particle geometry seems to be the solution to overcoming this contradiction.
With an annual production of approximately 28.4 million m3 in 2013 (EPF, 2012), particleboard is the most important wood-based material in Europe. The increased demand for wood leads to higher prices and so reduces the profitability of particleboard production. Since the production of particleboard is optimized and automated to a high degree, cost savings can practically be achieved only by reducing the raw material costs. In addition to different approaches to achieving more favourable purchase prices, a reduction in the cost of raw materials can be achieved by the reduction of raw material consumption, which in consequence results in a reduction of board density. However, a reduction in board density leads systematically to a reduction of board properties. With different concepts, each of which features specific advantages and disadvantages, it is attempted to compensate the reduction in quality. For example, introducing lightweight fillers into the panel leads to advantages, but may, e.g., also cause in problems when coating edges.
The aim of this project is therefore to develop a concept for the production of lightweight particleboard, which results in free-formable panels that do not require the addition of non-wood filler materials.
So far, it could be shown that the particle geometry has a significant effect on the properties of particleboard. In particular, the use of (innovative) particles, which were previously not used for the board manufacture process, led to promising board properties - even for panels with reduced density.
Section overview
Subjects
- Forestry
- Process engineering
- Renewable Resources