Eco-friendly Particleboard Production: Integrating Recycled PET and Bio-based Pine Resin Adhesives

Particleboards constitute an important solution addressing two current demands: Improving the use of exploited resources and implementing adequate waste management. In this study, panels were produced from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), rosin (adhesive derived from natural pine resin or colophony), and particles of Pinus sp. wood (pinewood). Rosin resin was used at a 20% ratio for all panels, and recycled PET was incorporated at varying proportions (75%, 50%, and 25%) as a wood substitute. Physical tests assessed included density (D), moisture content (MC), 24 h thickness swelling after 24 h (TS-24h), and water absorption after 24 h (WA-24h). All tests were carried out in accordance with NBR 14810-2 (ABNT 2018). The findings revealed commendable physical performance across all mixtures, with mixture M4 demonstrating the most favorable results among the four evaluated. Although further investigation is warranted, the integration of wood, rosin resin, and PET in particleboard production represents a sustainable and efficient alternative.