Research Information System
Furniture and Wooden Material Research Journal, vol.7, no.2, pp.281-292, 2024 (Scopus)
This study investigates the potential use of leaf sheaths from palm trees, located near the trunk, in the production of composite panels. The leaf sheaths intended for composite panel production were cut from the trunk in one piece using a knife. Five different composite panels were produced from different numbers of leaf sheaths used as layers in the panel mat and commercial beech fibers using urea formaldehyde (UF) resin and paraffin. The water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) rates, modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) values of these produced panel samples were determined according to the relevant standards. The fiber characteristics of the palm leaf sheaths and beech fibers that comprised the composite panel were determined using the Franklin maceration method. The results showed that the water absorption and thickness swelling ratios of the composite panels decreased in comparison to the control sample, depending on the number of leaf sheaths used in production. Additionally, the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity values varied based on the location of the leaf sheaths within the panel mat. As a result, these composite panels can be utilized for design and decoration purposes with innovative approaches and can also be preferred as a lightweight and durable material in furniture production. Additionally, they are suitable for use in water and moisture resistant environments and can be evaluated as panel materials for various purposes.