Properties of Particleboards Produced from Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) Stalks

The objective of this work was to examine the suitability of poppy stalks for particleboard manufacturing. One-layer experimental panel with density of 0.45; 0.55 and 0.65 g/cm made from poppy stalks utilizing 8-10% urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin. The experimental boards were evaluated for Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Internal Bond strength (IB), Surface Strength (SS), Thickness Swelling (TS) according to related standards. The mechanical properties of boards shown that poppy stalks could be an appropriate raw material for particleboards production. The result clearly indicated that mechanical properties of poppy based boards improved with an increase panel density and adhesive ratio. Panels produced 0.55 g/cm density with 10% UF adhesive and 0.65 g/cm density with 8% UF adhesive exceed TS EN standard for MOR, MOE, IB, and SS properties. Original Research Article Arslan and Sahin; JABB, 6(2): 1-6, 2016; Article no.JABB.24977 2