Particleboard from Aspen Flakes and Sunflower Hulls

Abstract

Laboratory particleboards of 42 Ib/ft3 (pounds per cubic foot) nominal density were manufactured from sunflower hulls and 1/2" aspenflakes. Sunflower hull to aspen flake weight proportions were: 1:0 (all sunflower Hulls), 1:2, 2:1, and 0:1 (all aspen flakes). Although the addition of sunflower hulls reduced board strength and stability, Commercial Standard CS 236·66 minimum property requirements for modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity were met by the 100% sunflower hull boards. However, the addition of approximately 50% aspen flakes would be required to meet the same minimum property requirements for internal bond strength and linear dimensional stability. Susceptibility to decay fungi increased with increasing sunflower hull content.