Using almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) shell as a bio-waste resource in wood based composite

摘要

In this research, the suitability of almond shell as a bio-waste resource in wood based composite manu facturing was investigated. Particleboards containing different almond shell particle rations were made using urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin. Some chemical properties of almond shell (holocellulose, α cellu lose, lignin and ash contents, alcohol-benzene solubility, 1% NaOH solubility, hot and cold water solubil ity), mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bond strength) and physical properties (thickness swelling and water absorption) of the particleboards were determined. The addition of almond shell particles greatly improved the water resistance of the panels. However, flexural proper ties and internal bond strength decreased with increasing almond shell particle content. The amount of almond shell particles at most should be 30% in the mixture to meet the standard required for mechanical properties. Conclusively, almond shell, an annual agricultural residue, could be utilized with mixture of wood particles in the particleboard manufacturing.