This work aimed determine the properties of wood particleboards containing particles of polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene therephthalate (PET). Three amounts of polystyrene (0, 25 and 50%), two amounts of PET/PS (5/20 and 10/40%), three amounts (0, 4 and 6%) of urea-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde adhesive and three amounts of polystyrene in toluene solution (0, 4 and 6%), combined with 50, 75 or 100% of particles of Pinus elliottii wood were used. Layer boards measuring approximately 400 x 400 x 10 mm with density approximately equal to 0.60 g/cm³ were produced. Internal bond, rupture and elasticity modulus, screw withdrawal, water absorption and thickness swelling after 24 hours of immersion were determined. The mechanical properties of all the boards were superior to the established by ANSI/A 208.1-1993 standard. All wood/plastic particleboards absorbed more water than those observed in commercial boards. However, the observed thickness swelling was quite similar to the values of commercial wood particleboards. Boards in which the solution of polystyrene was applied presented, in general, the best values for all the properties.
Particleboards; polystyrene; polyethylene therephthalate; solution of polystyrene in toluene
