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This research was conducted to investigate the possibility of producing particleboard, utilizing self- bonding techniques and applying cross-linking agents of natural polymers. P. deltoides particles were separately treated with two oxidizing agents, i.e. nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide at 3% each. Then, a cross-linking agent such as 1,6-hexanediamine glycerol, black liquor, or maleic anhydride at 5% (O.D. wood basis) was added to the particles in order to facilitate wood bonding. Laboratory boards at 0.75 g/cm3 density were produced; then, physical and mechanical properties were determined and compared with the control specimens.
The result of this investigation showed that treatment with nitric acid, 1,6-hexanediamine or black liquor improved these properties. The modulus of rupture and internal bonding of the boards were 21.82, 21.06 and 0.461, 0.422 mPa, respectively; and the dimensional stability was reasonably good. In addition, the boards made using nitric acid treatment had better properties when compared with the hydrogen peroxide treated samples, but it was not as good as the control specimen (made using 5% phenol formaldehyde).