Abstract

This study evaluated fungicide and insecticide properties of the cardboard substrate panels overlaid with beech veneer. The experimental cardboards from recycled food and beverage carton containers having approximately 75% paperboard, 20% low density polyethylene (LDPE), and 5% aluminum foil were overlaid using four types of adhesives; polyurethane (PU), phenol–formaldehyde(PF), urea–formaldehyde(UF) and melamine–urea formaldehyde (MUF). The cardboard specimens overlaid with veneer using polyurethane adhesive had better mechanical properties and water resistance than those of the specimens made with other three types of adhesives. Brown rot fungusConiophora puteana and white rot fungus Ceriporiopsis subvermisphora were used for the decay tests. The larvae of the Rhagium bifasciatum F. was used for the insect test. Wood veneer faced cardboards had significantly higher antifungal and insecticide properties than those of the control wood samples. The weight losses of the cardboard groups caused by C. puteana and C. subvermisphorawere 0.43 - 0.83%. While UF-cardboard type board was the most affected group by the fungus, MUF-cardboard type was found as the most resistance group against larvae.

Key words: Antifungal, insecticide, composite, recycling, used beverage carton, wood veneer.