Valorisation of olive tree prunings for the production of particleboards. Evaluation of the particleboard properties at different substitution levels

Olive prunings are, in the majority of cases, treated as agricultural residues and burned in open fires or mulched into soil. However, they can be exploited in various ways and offer added value. Apart from their exploitation for energy purposes, they can be potentially used for the production of other bio-commodities such as particleboards, used in the construction and furniture sector. In this light, the current study investigates the potential of producing particleboards from olive tree prunings by replacing common wood. Harvested olive tree prunings, thin branches along with leaves, were used for the production of particleboards by gradually replacing commercial wood at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% rate. Based on the results achieved, a maximum substitution level of 40% of the conventional wood with pruning material can be applied. The mechanical properties of the panels were reduced by increasing the substitution level. This may be attributed to the higher amount of bark compared to the conventional wood chips, and the presence of leaves. On the other hand, particleboard properties such as the formaldehyde emissions of the boards (along with the thickness swelling) are reduced by increasing the substitution level, which makes the panels safer in terms of indoor pollution and human health and more consumer friendly, and attractive for the market.