This work aimed to evaluate properties of particleboards manufactured with particles derived from planner shavings and flakes of Eucalyptus grandis, E. urophylla and E. cloeziana. Pinus elliottii particles were mixed with eucalyptus particles when necessary and in an amount enough to keep boards densities at 0.70 gr/cm³. Eucalyptus wood was obtained from the municipalities of Ponte Alta (Vale do Rio Doce) and Três Marias (Cerrado Region), both in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Eucalyptus grandis, E. urophylla and E. cloeziana densities collected in Ponte Alta were 0.55; 0.61 and 0.70 g/cm³ whereas those collected from Três Marias were 0.58; 0.58 and 0.69 g/cm³, respectively. The density of Pinus elliottii cultivated in the region of Viçosa was 0.45 g/cm3. Particles were produced by processing flakes (0.48 x 20 x 90 mm) and planner shavings in hammer mill. Mean slenderness ratios were 19.87 and 4.66 for particles produced from flakes and shavings, respectively. Urea-formaldehyde adhesive was applied in the proportion of 8% of particle dry mass. Boards manufactured with higher amount of eucalyptus particles absorbed more water and had higher swelling and linear expansion. Highest hardness and parallel compression were observed on boards manufactured with particles from shavings, whereas highest internal bond, modulus of rupture and elasticity values were found for boards fabricated with particles from flakes. Boards made with particles from wood derived from Três Marias had higher means for parallel compression, internal bond and modulus of rupture.
Eucalyptus grandis; Eucalyptus urophylla; Eucalyptus cloeziana
