Effect of wood species, bark particle size, and adhesive type on the properties of bark-based boards

Significant quantities of bark are generated during wood processing, with the majority being utilized for energy production and soil enhancement. This study investigated the influence of bark particle size and resin type (urea-formaldehyde (UF) and melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF)) on the properties of particleboards made from spruce and pine bark. Board samples were fabricated using different bark particle sizes (2 to 5 mm and 5 to 8 mm) and varying adhesive contents (5% and 7%) for both UF and MUF adhesives. Reference particleboards were manufactured using industrial wood particles with the same UF and MUF adhesive contents. The spruce bark consistently outperformed pine bark across most investigated properties. Board samples fabricated from spruce bark particles exhibited higher internal bond (IB) strength and modulus of rupture (MOR), as well as enhanced resistance to water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS), particularly when bonded with urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive. Specifically, boards composed of spruce bark, using a combination of bark particle sizes, UF adhesive, and 7% adhesive content, exhibited superior performance in IB strength, water resistance, and modulus of elasticity.