Potential for utilizing waste corrugated paper containers into wood composites using UF and PMDI resin systems

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of using waste paper recovered from old corrugated containers (OCC) as substitute for wood particles in the production of particleboards. Three proportions of wood chips: waste paper flakes (100:0, 70:30, 50:50) were used in the production of one-layer and the core of three-layer experimental particleboards. Various adhesive systems were applied as binders: a UF resin (E1 grade), a PMDI resin and three UF:PMDI combinations: (6:2, 5:3 and 4:4). The evaluation of the board’s mechanical and hygroscopic properties showed the following results: Replacing woods chips with waste OCC paper adversely affected the board’s properties. The participation of waste paper in the core layer resulted in decreased differentiation between surface and core density of the boards. Partial substitution of UF resin by PMDI in amounts of 2–4 % significantly improved the properties of boards containing 30 and 50 % waste paper. An increase in board density resulted in a corresponding improvement in mechanical properties. In terms of mechanical properties, three-layer UF boards containing 30 % and PMDI bonded boards containing 30 and 50 % waste paper in the core layer complied with the requirements of European Standard EN312 for board types P1, P2 and P4 for use in interior applications.