THE INVESTIGATION OF THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF WASTE POLYETHYLENE IN MANUFACTURE OF ORIENTED STRANDBOARDs.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of waste polyethylene (WPE) on thermal conductivity of oriented strand boards (OSBs) panels. Thermal conductivity properties of OSBs was determined at the various levels addition of WPE based on the oven-dry strand weight, and also, it was calculated effects of WPE on this properties. All of test panels were bonded with phenol-formaldehyde resin at (6%) with three-layers. Strands were used for the production of test panels made up 50% of core layer and 50% of outer layers. Test panels were pressed in 9 min., 40 kg/cm² press pressure and 185±3°C press temperature. The manufacturing parameters were a specific gravity of 0.65 g/cm³ and WPE content (0/100, 10/90, 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, 50/50 by wt.% of WPE/wood strand). It has been proven that the thermal conductivity value was negatively affected by using WPE in manufacture of OSBs.