Potential of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) stalks to produce cement-bonded particleboards.

Jerusalem Artichoke ( Helianthus tuberosus L.) stalk particles were studied as an alternative raw material for cement composites. Cement-bonded particleboards measuring 300 × 300 × 10 mm with nominal density of 1250 kg/m 3 were produced and assessed. Particleboards were subjected to two curing conditions: (1) – 48 h in a climatic chamber, followed by 25 days in an air saturated environment; and (2) – 48 h in a climatic chamber, and then in a dioxide carbon (15% concentration) environment (24 h), followed by 24 days in an air saturated environment. Physical and mechanical characterizations were carried out for both particleboard samples at 28 days. The particleboard tested in this study may be applied for industrial purposes, since cement-bonded Jerusalem Artichoke particleboards meet the mechanical requirements of the ISO 8335 Standard for building applications. Furthermore, thickness swelling and water absorption of the particleboards were lower than values reported in the literature and Standards requirements. In view of the results, Jerusalem Artichoke stalk particles are suitable to be used to produce cement-bonded particleboards for construction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]