This work aimed to evaluate the influence of mat structure and different adhesive contents on the properties of oriented strand boards (OSB) made of 50% Eucalyptus grandis and 50% Pinus elliottii strands. Three types of structure were employed: the first consisted of indistinct layers, the second of boards made of 50% eucalypt strands in the core and 25% pine on each face, and the third structure containing eucalypt (25%) in each face, and core Pinus (50%). A total of 4%, 6% or 8% of phenolic resin, based on the oven-dry weight of the particles, was applied on all the structures. Resin total solids were equal to 47.63%, pH 12.15 and viscosity 350cps. A total of 27 boards, including three replications, were manufactured and tested for static bending (MOR and MOE), internal board, screw withdrawal, thickness swelling and water absorption, according to ASTM D 1037 - 91 procedures. In general, boards using 8% of resin obtained the best results. Most of the treatments, including the boards containing 4% adhesive, achieved mechanical resistances higher than those established under CSA-O437-93 standard. None of the treatments was sufficiently good for thickness swelling. Mat structure had no effect on board properties.
OSB; Eucalyptus; Pinus; phenolic resin; mat
