EVALUATIOM OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PARTICLEBOARD PRODUCED FROM WOOD OF Cupressus torulosa IN MIXTURE WITH Pinus taeda

The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of particleboard produced with 100% of wood of Cupressus torulosa and in different mixing proportions with Pinus taeda . The experimental panels were produced with wood particles of Cupressus torulosa/Pinus taeda , in proportions of 100/0%, 80/20%, 60/40%, 40/60%, 20/80% and 0/100%, totaling six treatments. The panels were produced with nominal density of 0.75g/cm³, 8% urea-formaldehyde resin and 1% paraffin emulsion. The quality of the panels was evaluated by water absorption and swelling thickness 2 and 24 hours, static bending (MOE and MOR), perpendicular tension (internal bonding) and screw withdrawal. The comparative evaluations of the results of this research, with the Pinus taeda , others species referenced in the literature, and normative requirements of EN 312-2003 for commercial panels, indicated great potential of the wood of Cupressus torulosa for the particleboard production.