Value-added Composite Panels Manufactured from Under-utilized Species in Oklahoma

Principle Investigator : Dr. Salim Hiziroglu

Funded by: Agricultural Experimental Station and FAPC.

Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) , mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and osage orange (Maclura pomifera) are some of the under-utilized invasive species in Oklahoma. Currently they have very limited uses, such as shelterbelt, wind break, and fence post. This study investigated some of the important properties of experimental panels made from particles of three species and their mixture of 50 %-50% ratio. Whole-tree chipped material was used to manufacture the panels. The samples were tested for mechanical strength and physical stability properties according to the procedures defined by ASTM D-1037. Modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture of the panels made from 100% eastern redcedar resulted in the highest bending among four types of panels. Thickness swelling of the samples ranged from 11% to 20%. All panels yielded adequate bending strength, stiffness, and internal bond strength. Based on the findings in this study, it appears that whole-tree chipped particles of three species can be used to manufacture value-added panels without having any adverse influence on panel properties.

Eastern redcedar invasion	Eastern redcedar logs
Harvesting of Osage Orange
Pressed panel	3-layer unpressed mat
Bending test set-up	Internal bond strength test set-up

For further details log on website :
http://nrem-old.okstate.edu/faculty/researchlabs/Hiziroglu/Underutilized/underutspp.htm