Characterization of particleboards of African mahogany sawdust made with tannic powders of Bridelia and African locust bean pods

The purpose of this study was to valorize African mahogany wood, especially its residues (sawdust) from carpentry, in the manufacturing of particleboards. Tannic powder of peels of Bridelia ( Bridelia ferruginea ) and African locust bean ( Parkia biglobosa ) pod husk were used as binders. First, the boards were manufactured with sawdust of African mahogany wood bonded with bio–based binders by varying the parameters of manufacturing such as the type of binder and the binder content. Second, physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured particleboards (PB) were determined through different tests: the three–point bending test (TPB test), the traction test and the thickness swelling test (TS test). All tests were conducted according to the standard ANSI A208.1–2016. The manufactured PB are classified exclusively in M-grade in terms of density range. All PB with African locust bean are M3–grade with a density range between 725 and 750 kg/m 3 , while some PB with Bridelia (rate of 7.5 % and higher) are MS–grade with a density range between 600 and 640 kg/m 3 . The values required by the standard ANSI A208.1–2016 for the modulus of elasticity, the modulus of rupture and the internal bond are widely reached. The results of TS test show that the manufactured PB can only be used in dry conditions, thus for indoor use exclusively.