Optimization of experimental production of particleboard from cotton gin waste and urea formaldehyde resin

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify production variables that optimize the performance of particleboards derived from the milling of cotton ginning residues and urea-formaldehyde resin.
Two board configurations have been developed, one monolayer and the other three-layer, in which the experimental variables respond to granulometry of the cotton residue, resin content and molding pressure.
The effects generated by different configurations on the density, flexural strength, swelling resistance and water absorption of particleboards were evaluated. Results obtained show that different configurations evaluated permit reduction of resin contents and molding pressures, tending to minimize formaldehyde emissions and energy consumption in particleboard production.