Abstract: Particleboard can be produced from a mixture of different lignocellulosic materials, which can be chosen depending on the density required for the panel and its applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of particleboard with bamboo, pine and mate for a new product of high density for the special applications currently served by HDF. Particles of bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) finely chopped sticks of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and commercial particles of southern pine (Pinus taeda) wood were used. These particles used 100 % by weight in the panel or in mixtures of 50 % each (three mixtures) or in a triple mixture of one third each, were glued in a drum-type rotary mixer with melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resin, and pressed in hydraulic press at 120 °C and 5,88 MPa for 10 minutes, up to 6 mm thickness. The panels were produced with 900 kg/m3 nominal density and, after pressing, were conditioned at 20 ºC and 65 % relative humidity. Statistical was performed by means the variance analysis and simplex centroid experimental design, with three replicates. It was found the use of pine particles contributed mainly to increase the panel's strength and stiffness, while the use of mate particles facilitated internal bond strength. The mixtures modeling showed that the water absorption, the strength and stiffness in bending and the internal bond strength are explained by the cubic model, while the thickness swelling and hardness are explained by the quadratic model. The best physical and mechanical properties results were found for the pine, bamboo and mate same ratio mixture.

RESUMO O bambu é um material utilizado em escala global em diversas áreas. Contudo, necessita de aprimoramento nos processos para utilização industrial, no Brasil. A produção de painéis laminados colados está em crescimento no mundo e pode ser uma fonte de recursos para esse fim. Objetivou-se avaliar as propriedades físico-mecânicas de painéis laminados de bambu produzidos com duas espécies (Phyllostachys aurea e Dendrocalamus asper) e dois processos produtivos/adesivos (laminado colado e termomecânico). Para as análises mecânicas, corpos de prova retirados dos painéis foram submetidos a ensaios de cisalhamento, dureza Janka e flexão estática. Os mesmos corpos foram utilizados para a determinação da massa específica aparente, teor de umidade e grau de compressão. A massa específica aparente variou entre 0,75 g cm-3 e 0,79 g cm-3, com teor de umidade de equilíbrio entre 7,83 % e 10,42 %. Os maiores valores das propriedades mecânicas foram verificados no bambu laminado termomecânico. Para D. asper, o módulo de ruptura foi de 146,8 MPa, a resistência ao cisalhamento na linha de cola de 6,36 MPa e a dureza Janka atingiu 3.852 N, enquanto, para P. aurea, constatou-se 19.603 MPa no valor do módulo de elasticidade. Concluiu-se que a produção de painéis laminados de bambu, em especial no processo termomecânico, é uma potencial alternativa.

ABSTRACT Bamboo is a material used on a global scale in several areas. However, it needs adaptation in the processes for industrial use, in Brazil. The production of glued laminated panels has been growing in the world and this material can be a source of resources for this purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the physical-mechanical properties of laminated bamboo panels produced with two species (Phyllostachys aurea and Dendrocalamus asper) and two production processes/adhesives (glued-laminated bamboo and thermo-mechanical laminated bamboo). For the mechanical properties analysis, specimens removed from the panels were subjected to shear tests, Janka hardness and static bending. The same specimens were used to determine the apparent density, moisture content and degree of compression. The apparent density varied between 0.75 g cm-3 and 0.79 g cm-3, with equilibrium moisture contents between 7.83 % and 10.42 %. The highest values for the mechanical properties were verified in the thermo-mechanical laminated process. For D. asper, the modulus of rupture was 146.8 MPa, the shear glued line 6.36 MPa and the Janka hardness 3,852 N, while, for P. aurea, the modulus of elasticity reached 19,603 MPa. It was concluded that the production of bamboo laminated panels, especially using the thermo-mechanical process, can be a potential alternative.