Hardwood sawmill residues have not been investigated for particleboard production due to their inherent properties such as high density characteristics, higher extractives and moisture contents. However, recent research carried out at RMIT University has proved that hardwood residues can be used in producing three-layer particleboard to satisfy the AS/NZS standards for physical and mechanical properties. Whilst this new product is suitable for structural applications such as floor boards, it has been observed to have a higher density than standard particleboard and to require a larger proportion of resin. In optimizing the board product, research has been directed towards understanding of the physical and chemical processes during hot-pressing of the boards. The internal temperature profile of the boards during hot-pressing depends on the amount of heat transfer to the core from platen via surface layer. Whilst press temperature controls the rate of heat conduction from platen to board surface, moisture plasticize the wood particles and allow for greater compaction and produce higher layer densities. The work presented here was specifically aimed at measuring of internal temperature profile of hardwood particleboard during the hot pressing process to understand the thermo-setting process.
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