Manufacture of cement-bonded particleboard of Australian cedar (Toona ciliata M. Roem var. australis) of different origins and age

The aim of this work was to evaluate the technical feasibility of manufacturing cement-bonded particleboard made from australian cedar (Toona ciliata M. Roem.) of four distinct growth sites. The experimental design of the experiment was a completely randomized design with three replications and four treatments, totaling of 12 panels. The panels were made with nominal density 1.10 g/cm(3) and in accordance with the following cycle of pressing: pressing time of 10 minutes, specific pressure of 40 kgf/cm(2) and consolidated at ambient temperature. The results of the physical and mechanical properties indicated great potential for using wood of Toona ciliata in the manufacture of wood-cement panels, independent of the collection site and age of the trees.