Technological viability of orange wood (Citrus sinensis) for cement-wood panel production

Abstract

The manufacture of reconstituted wood products, such as wood-cement panels, promote the reuse of waste and encourage the use of sustainable materials in civil construction. The aim of this study was to assess the technical viability of the Citrus sinensis wood waste for the production of wood cement panels, as well as the effect of pre-treating the particles and adding microsilica on the properties. The physical and chemical properties of the wood from commercial plantations at the end of the production cycle, located in Pará (Brazil) were assessed. The wood-cement panels were produced with a nominal density of 1.20g/cm³, using Portland cement, wood particles without and with chemical treatment (ratio 2.75:1) and the addition of microsilica (10%). The properties were evaluated according to European standards using a factorial design. The results showed that pre-treating the particles, especially in cold and hot water, improved the physical-mechanical properties of the panels. The addition of microsilica had no significant effect. Orange wood waste showed promising potential for the production of wood-cement panels.