Comparative analyses of water soaking and thickness swelling of particleboard versus different test methods

In regard to its hygroscopic properties, particleboards is dimensionally unstable material when exposed to water or in the atmosphere of high level of humidity. Since today several different standardized methods for determination of thickness swelling exist, the aim of this study was focused on comparison of different testing methods. In this aim, three different methods for determination of water soaking and thickness swelling were compared, two of which were defined by national standard SRPS D.C8.104 and one was defined by European standard EN 317. The results of testing of both properties have shown no significant difference between the EN method based on 50x50 mm test pieces and the SRSP method based on test pieces 100x100 mm format, suggesting that these two methods can be used alternatively. On the other hand, the results obtained by SRSP method utilizing the 25x25 mm test pieces, differed significantly from both previous methods. The results were lower for both water soaking and thickness swelling regardless of panel thickness.