Production of particleboards from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and European black pine (Pinus Nigra Arnold) wood particles

In this study particleboards were manufactured from mixtures of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and European Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) wood particles at several ratios. The suitability of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) chips for particleboard production was examined. Urea formaldehyde resin was used as a binder in 3-layers particleboards. The manufactured boards were tested according to European (EN) standards. The licorice and European Black Pine wood particles were mixed at ratios 25, 50, 75 and 100% respectively. Produced panels were tested for certain mechanical and physical properties. Experimental results indicated that increase in licorice chips in the mixture generally diminished the mechanical and physical properties. The produced boards can be utilized for general purposes as well as furniture for interior environments and the results obtained showing that licorice could be an alternative raw material for particleboard industry.   Key words: Particleboard, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), physical and mechanical properties, European black pine (Pinusnigra).