Producing composite particleboard from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) stalks

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usage of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) stalks as a raw material for particleboard manufacturing. The parameters affecting particleboard manufacturing from kenaf were determined to be press temperature, and time, pressure, density and shelling ratio. The experimental results showed that the parameters were found to be effective on the physical (thickness swelling) and mechanical (modulus of rupture, and internal bond strength) properties with the exception of pressure, significantly. It appears that kenaf can be used to manufacture particleboard. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.