MECHANICAL, PHYSICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF BORATE-MODIFIED ORIENTED STRANDBOARD

摘要

Borate-modified oriented strandboard (OSB) was manufactured using zinc and calcium borate to provide resistance to Formosan Subterranean Termites (FSTs). Mechanical, physical, and biological properties of the product were evaluated. It was shown that static bending properties of the OSB were affected little at the room condition by the added borate. The internal bond strength was, however, generally smaller at the higher borate loading levels. Thickness swelling (TS) under the 24-hour water soaking increased with increased borate content, especially for calcium borate. Part of the borate leached out under the water soaking condition due to the glueline washing and decomposition of the borate to form less water-soluble boric acid. The use of borate with a smaller particle size helped reduce TS and leaching rate significantly. Laboratory no-choice termite tests indicated that both zinc and calcium borate modified OSB resisted FSTs well. Thus, termite resistant OSB with required mechanical and physical performance could be successfully developed using southern wood species. This technology will allow more 'OSB producers to manufacture chemically modified OSB to meet increasing market demands.