Particleboards with Various Biomass Residues.

Abstract

Particleboards were developed by replacing a part of wood with various biomass residues, including coffee bean husks, spent coffee grounds, thistle, Sideritis and dead leaves of Posidonia oceanica. These materials were analysed to determine their physicochemical properties like the moisture content, pH, and buffer capacity, using standard laboratory techniques, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were also used for their further characterisation. The results revealed that all biomasses contained cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in varying proportions, along with differing degrees of crystallinity. To produce particleboards, the biomasses were bonded using two types of adhesives: (a) conventional urea-formaldehyde resin (UF) and (b) polymeric 4,4'-methylene diphenyl isocyanate (pMDI). Laboratory-scale, single-layer particleboards were manufactured simulating industrial production practices. These panels were evaluated for their mechanical and physical properties according to European standards. The findings showed a general reduction in mechanical performance when compared to conventional wood-based panels. However, panels made with coffee grounds and Posidonia showed improved resistance to thickness swelling after 24 h in water at 20 °C. Additionally, all experimental panels exhibited lower formaldehyde content than wood-based reference panels. This study demonstrated the feasibility of upcycling biomass residues as a sustainable alternative to virgin wood in the production of particleboard, providing a resource-efficient solution for specific interior applications within a circular economy framework.