Absorption Evaluation of Water in Panels from Elephant Grass with Eucalyptus sp. Leaves

There are reports that the production of panels with various mixtures is quite feasible. However, the knownlogment of production of panels with other residues is litle, except wood. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of water absorption on panels produced with elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureumSchum.) andEucalyptussp. leaves, Consolidated with urea-formaldehyde adhesive. For the production of the panels, the elephant grass (CA) was used, without particle size reduction, andEucalyptussp. (EU), freshly collected and crushed as powder. Two panels were produced, one consisting of 100% elephant grass (CA) and another in the proportion (1: 1, from CA: EU), with urea-formaldehyde adhesive. From each panel, 4 specimens were removed and the water absorption test was carried out for 2 hours, in addition to the determination of the apparent density. Panel test specimens (CA) showed, on average, an initial apparent density of 0.5953 g.cm-3and final (water absorption) of 0.5465 g.cm-3, while those of CA + EU showed an apparent density of 0.5478 g.cm-3and 0.6881 g.cm-3. The panels (CA) and (CA + EU) produced showed good consolidation after pressing, but It was verified that there are possibilities of improvement in order to minimize water absorption and improve the stability of this product.