Sustainable particleboard production using recycled polyethylene terephthalate and urea-formaldehyde adhesive

Abstract

Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) was used as a filler in the core layer (CL) of particle board (PB). Sustainable recycling was aimed at by recycling rPET waste generated during edge trimming in finishing processes. Therefore, on-site recycling possibilities were investigated. Urea formaldehyde (UF) was used as glue, and sodium laurel sulfate (SLES) was used as a foaming agent. This was intended to increase gluing efficiency by foaming the UF. rPET was added to the CL layer at 2-4-6-10% ratios. The PB draft (mat) was formed and pressed for 5 min under 30 kg/cm2 pressure at 190 degrees C. After 2 days of acclimatization, the PB samples were cut by a circular saw, and the PB analysis samples were prepared. PB sample characterization was carried out by physical, mechanical, and morphological analysis. The release of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during hot pressing of rPET was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). According to the results, it was perfectly compatible with rPET wood particles. Thickness swelling (TS) and internal bond (IB) have improved up to 40% and 69%, respectively, for unfoamed PB samples. But foamed UF decreased the IB up to 41%. SLES cured the glue early.