Abstract
In this study, it was aimed to determine optimum wood content in the particleboard (PB). This issue is important for the protection of forest resources. PBs were produced with two densities (520 and 560 kg/m3), three surface layer (SL) ratios (28%, 30%, and 32%), and two sanding end-thicknesses (17,8 mm and 18,0 mm). PBs were laminated with decor paper (DP) using a hot press (190°C, 35 kg/cm2). It was determined the optimum SL ratio, board density, and sanding tolerance with minimum wood content. Manufacturers have focused on low-density PB production, which can be achieved by consuming less wood. However, various problems occur when laminating surfaces with low-density boards. In this study, the optimal board density, thickness, and SL ratio were investigated. The GRAY multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM) was used to determine the particleboard with optimum properties. Characterizations of PBs were carried out by physical and mechanical analyses. After the PB surfaces were laminated with DP, abrasion resistance (AR), scratch resistance (SR), porosity (PO), and stain resistance (ST) analyses were performed. According to the results, as the SL increased, PBs density increased, but thickness swelling ( TS) and water absorption (WA) decreased. The thickness after sanding did not cause a significant change in the TS and WA. The internal bond (IB) strength increased 32% and the surface strength (SS) increase 38% when the density was increased.