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MATERIALS 57
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compounds. in this study met the standard requirements.
These components cross-link effectively with lignocellulosic Actually, only the bending properties fell slightly below the
particles under appropriate hot-pressing conditions, resulting required values. Notably, the board composed of RE particles
in good physical-mechanical properties. at a density of 750 kg/m³ demonstrated the most suitable
The insoluble SA binder solid particles composed of manufacturing parameters, achieving the required value for
lignocellulosic complex also showed good integrity without MOE. This achievement indicates promising potential for the

detected technological cracks inside the particleboard. future development of SA-bonded particleboards, particularly
The WSR values of the most advanced particleboards through adjustments in furnish configuration to enhance bending
obtained in this study achieved values between 505 and 588 performance.
N, comparable to the WSR of soybean-based boards bonded
with epoxidised sucrose soyate, which vary between 68 N Conclusions
and 680 N. This study demonstrates that particleboards can be successfully
Regarding the wood species used in this study, the achieved produced from both LS and RE furnishes using an SA-based
particleboard properties are comparable to those obtained natural binder derived from birch outer bark.
from birch wood particles bonded with the same SA binder. The SA binder shows clear potential for manufacturing

Only the bending properties were lower than those reported particleboards from pine sawdust—both virgin and recycled—
for birch wood-based boards (MOR up to 18.7 N/mm²); however, supporting a more sustainable use of wood resources.
those results were affected by higher board density (>800 kg/ Among the investigated factors, furnish composition,
m³) despite variations in binder parameters. thickness, density, and pressing temperature had the strongest
Particleboards produced from SA residue (20%) and birch influence on the resulting board properties.
particles at a density of ~850 kg/m³ achieved a maximum Particleboards manufactured from RE furnish with 21
MOR of 11.4 N/mm² and MOE of 3518 N/mm², which was percent SA binder content and hot-pressed at 220°C for 1.5

attributed to the high pressing temperature (250°C) combined min/mm—with a final thickness of 7 mm and a density of 750
with a relatively low pressing rate (0.7 min/mm). kg/m³—approached the performance requirements specified in
In contrast, particleboards made from the same SA residue EN 312 for Type P2 interior fitments.
and pine wood particles at a density of 700 kg/m³ demonstrated The optimal properties achieved in this study (TS 9–12
MOR and MOE values ranging from 3.7 N/mm² to 6.4 N/mm² percent, MOE 1700–2040 N/mm², MOR 7.9–10.1 N/mm²,
and 164 N/mm² to 2205 N/mm², respectively, depending on IB 0.72–1.54 N/mm²) indicate that SA-bonded boards have
binder content (10–20 percent) and particle type. promising potential, particularly when furnish configuration and
These values closely align with the results of this study, pressing parameters are further optimised.
indicating the strong effect of particle geometry and the The performed optical microscopy confirmed the good

inherent limitations of pine particles resulting in a relatively homogeneity of particleboard components, including SA
lower bending performance. Comparing the available studies, penetration in particles without observed technological cracks.
it is likely that the achieved poor bending properties in this Future work should focus on improving bending performance,
work were affected by insufficient pressing temperature and as well as evaluating long-term durability and cost efficiency
an overly long pressing rate. to support the broader industrial adoption of SA-bonded
With respect to EN requirements for particleboards intended particleboards. FDM
for interior fitments, including furniture, not all properties obtained ENQUIRY NO. 2402