Manufacture and properties of Miscanthus-wood particle composite boards

Miscanthussacchariflorus straw was used as a raw material for the manufacture of Miscanthus-wood particle composite board with Douglas-fir particles in ratios of 100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80, and 0/100. A commercial phenol-formaldehyde resin was used as a binder at 9 and 11 % for target densities of 0.50 and 0.65 g/cm³, respectively. The effects of the Miscanthus/wood particle ratio on the composite board properties were investigated. In addition, the density profile was also examined to improve the understanding of the composite board manufacturing process. Results indicate that the internal bonding value increased drastically in the board containing up to 50 % wood particles, providing a valuable parameter for subsequent research. The board properties were greatly improved with increasing density and binder addition level.