Investigation of Crop Residues for Thermal and Acoustic Panel Production

Abstract The aim of this study is to protect forest resources and investigate the potential of using agricultural waste, namely crop residues, to produce thermal and acoustic particleboards. Agricultural resources commonly grown in Turkey, and corresponding wastes and byproducts, were examined. Corn stalk, corn cob and hemp hurds were selected to produce light-weight composite boards to be used as acoustic building panels. Experimental sets were prepared at 100% corn stalk, 100% corn cob, 100% hemp hurds and 100% wood. Urea-formaldehyde and tannin-based resins were selected as binders. The panel density was targeted at 400 ± 50 kg/m 3 . Panel prototypes samples were prepared with a laboratory scale hot press. These samples were tested for their physical and mechanical properties according to European standards, including durability, thermal conductivity and the sound absorption coefficient. The results obtained show promising and competitive results when compared to literature and commercial boards, justifying further studies and boards scale-up.