Southern yellow pine particle board manufactured with the inclusion of distillers dried grains with solubles and microcrystalline cellulose

This study evaluated the feasibility of incorporating distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) into Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) particleboard manufacturing. In light of growing interest in sustainable materials and the repurposing of agricultural byproducts, DDGS—a coproduct of ethanol production—was assessed as a potential alternative feedstock. Particleboards were produced with varying concentrations of DDGS (1 %, 2 %, 5 %, 10 %, and 25 %) and MCC (1 %), both individually and in combination. Physical and mechanical properties—including density profiles, internal bond strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and modulus of rupture (MOR)—were evaluated according to ASTM D1037 standards. When manufactured under constant pressure, boards containing 1–5 % DDGS showed minimal change in internal bond (IB) strength, while 1 % MCC significantly improved IB strength under both constant pressure and a pressure spike with tapered pressure conditions. However, 25 % DDGS reduced IB strength. MOE and MOR were not significantly affected by a 2 % inclusion of DDGS compared to the control. The 24-hour thickness swell results indicate that low levels of DDGS can be incorporated without compromising mechanical performance. These findings suggest that DDGS and MCC offer promise as sustainable additives in particleboard production, supporting cost-effective material development through the reuse of agricultural residues otherwise considered waste. • 1–5 % distillers dried grains inclusion has minimal effect on bond strength. • 1 % microcrystalline cellulose inclusion significantly improves bond strength. • 2 % distillers dried grains inclusion - no significant effect on bending properties. • Low-level distillers dried grains inclusion does not impair 24-hour thickness swell. • Constant pressure yielded stronger bonds than tapering pressure during pressing.