Deflection Performance of Particleboards and Their Potential as Built-in Materials

Particleboard is a commonly used material in the construction of furniture. It is an engineered wood product made from wood particles, such as wood chips, sawmill shavings, or sawdust, combined with a resin binder and compressed into sheets. The advantages of using this material are its uniformity, stability, and affordable price. Some performance must be tested to ensure its quality and strength properties so that it can be used as a built-in material. This study evaluated deflection performance based on the different thicknesses and sizes. The objective of this study was to determine the deflection properties over time. The deflective capabilities of particleboard with 16, 18 and 25 mm thicknesses and sizes of 400 × 384, 560 × 350, 760 × 330, 800 × 380 and 910 × 390 mm were investigated in three weeks. Remarkably, the particleboard with a 25 mm thickness exhibited markedly diminished deflection two to three times lower than that of 18 mm and 16 mm thickness, thereby showcasing its superior strength when subjected to various loads. Conversely, utilizing longer spans resulted in noteworthy deflection increments, implying that extended spans tend to manifest increased deflection as time progresses. These observations indicate that a thicker and shorter particleboard is well-suited for use as a building material, given its lower deflection over time. In conclusion, this study elucidates the intricate relationship between particleboard characteristics and deflection behavior, providing valuable guidance for selecting suitable particleboards based on load requirements and structural considerations.