Surface Characterization of Particleboard Panels Manufactured from Eastern Redcedar Using Multi-Sensor Approach

Multi-sensor systems are becoming more popular and well accepted in characterization of different properties of materials. Application of such techniques can be employed to represent properties of engineered materials more precisely. The objective of this work was to evaluate and characterize surface of the experimental particleboard panels manufactured from Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) which is an invasive species creating a significant ecological problem. Single- and three-layer panel specimens were manufactured from raw material using 9% urea formaldehyde, or a combination of 15% modified corn starch and 2% urea formaldehyde adhesive. Chemical characteristics of the samples were determined employing FT-NIR spectroscopy. Colour measurements of the specimens were also carried out on VIS-NIR hyperspectral camera to evaluate uniformity of the colour pattern within the surface of each sample. Surface roughness of the panels was evaluated using a 3D equipment and such data was combined with surface wettability properties of the specimens. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to evaluate overall test results. Based on the findings in this work it appears that multi-sensor evaluation of such samples can be considered an efficient and effective method to objectively determine the different properties of the panels. While the methods employed in this work are prototype, they have a great potential to be utilized and applied at industrial scale.