The effect of moisture on the properties of cement-bonded particleboards made with non-traditional raw materials

Abstract The paper presents research into the changes of properties in cement-bonded particleboards caused by moisture saturation over course 504 h. Three particleboard variants were tested, all at age 18 months. first is a standard production-line board manufactured CIDEM Hranice, a.s. (identified as CP-R). other two modified by-products manufacturing process—dust (CP-D) and particulate mixture (CP-P). experiment observed boards’ dimensions, volume, mass. effect on their basic material was also investigated. While boards being saturated water, structure examined using an optical microscope. It found that behave differently depending composition. Also there differences dynamics property changes. are more susceptible to dimensional volume Both, mass undergo most significant during 24 Cracks air voids inside wood chips begin close upon contact with water result swelling. microscopy this process occurs within 3 5 min since immersion bath. Between 96 h rate which pores closing begins decrease difference well. Wet–dry cycling analysed Temperature fluctuations negatively affected behaviour properties. Strength dropped up 50%. Wider cracks detected microscopy, namely ITZ (internal transition zone) cement matrix spruce chips.