Development of OSB Panels with Wood Residues from the Northern Region of Brazil

Wood-based panels such as oriented strand board (OSB) have gained increasing relevance in sustainable construction due to their favorable mechanical performance and efficient use of raw materials. This study evaluates the physical and mechanical properties of OSB panels manufactured from residues of five Brazilian tropical species, namely Cambará (Erisma sp.), Caixeta (Simarouba sp.), Cedroarana (Cedrelinga catenaeformis), Tatajuba (Bagassa guianensis), and Tauari (Couratari oblongifolia) bonded with castor oil-based polyurethane resin (12% by dry weight; 3-layer ratio 20:60:20). Seven formulations were tested (five monospecies; two mixed species) and characterized in accordance with EN 300, EN 310, EN 317, EN 319, EN 322, EN 323, ABNT NBR 14810-2, and ASTM D2719. Panel densities ranged from 0.685 to 0.813 g/cm3. Cedroarana and Caixeta panels achieved the highest mechanical performance: MOR of 44.04 MPa and 40.96 MPa, and MOE of 6741 MPa and 6287 MPa, respectively (parallel direction), both exceeding EN 300 OSB/4 thresholds. All panels met internal bond requirements (≥0.5 MPa). Compaction ratio emerged as the primary determinant of mechanical behavior. Mixed species panels performed comparably to monospecies configurations, confirming the viability of residue valorization without species segregation. The castor oil-based resin provided adequate bonding and moisture resistance, supporting its use as a formaldehyde free renewable alternative for structural-grade OSB.