Basic Engineering Properties Of Particleboard

The report presents the results of evaluating strength and elastic properties in tension, compression, bending, and shear of nine commercial particleboards conditioned to equilibrium moisture content at 75F., and 64 percent relative humidity. Included for comparison are properties of the standard Forest Products Laboratory particleboard of urea-bonded Douglas-fir. All 10 particleboards can be classified as medium-density grade. Properties closely related to each other, determined by least squares regression, were interlaminar shear strength and internal bond strength, shear modulus and modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and edgewise shear strength, and tensile strength and modulus of rupture. (Modified author abstract).

The common type A sheet metal screw has been replaced by type AB. To compare the face and edge withdrawal resistance of types A and AB screws, the Forest Products Laboratory evaluated their performance in eight particleboards and three medium-density hardboards. All testing was conducted in accordance with ASTM D 1037-72 except a 0.136-inch-diameter pilot hole was used to facilitate insertion of the screws. In the particleboards, face withdrawal resistance of type AB screws averaged approximately 5 percent less than for type A screws. Results for edge withdrawal in particleboard were erratic because of the differences in makeup of the center portion of each board. In the hardboards, average face and edge withdrawal resistance of type AB screws was approximately 10% less than of type A screws.