Abstract

• Single-layer experimental particleboards were made from internode of giant reed culms with different particle sizes (4 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 500 μm, 250 μm) of particles bonded with ureaformaldehyde resin. Urea-formaldehyde resin (25 %) was mixed with 2 mL of 0.4 % ammonium sulphate hardener and 1 mL cashew nut shell liquid for each panel to improve strength and other properties. The panels were tested for mechanical properties including modulus of rupture (MOR), impact strength, hardness, tensile strength and physical properties such as density, moisture content (MC), water absorption (WA) and swelling thickness (ST) according to the procedures defined by British Standard and Indian Standard methods. The overall results showed that most panels fulfilled FAO (2013) standard for MOR, WA and ST. The surface fracture of PBS4 (500 μm) is more uniform and fibers are not pull out from the surface. This tend to be more enhanced the MOR, less WA and ST of particleboard. PBS4 (500 μm) had the highest MOR, the lowest WA and ST values. Particle size was found to have a profound effect on the board properties.