In this study, the effect of using olive stone residues (OSR) on some properties of particleboard was investigated. For this purpose, particle boards were manufactured from particles of white poplar (Populus Alba L.), which were partially substituted with OSR particles in amounts of 10 %, 20 % and 30 %. In addition, boards containing 30 % OSR, which had previously been chemically modified with NaOH solution, were produced. Phenol formaldehyde adhesive was used in the production of the boards. Chemical properties of wood and OSR particles (pH, alcohol benzene solubility, amount of ash), physico-mechanical properties (density, moisture content thickness swelling, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bond strength) and formaldehyde emission values of boards were determined. Water absorption and thickness swelling values were generally decreased with the increase in the use of OSR. When the effect of OSR usage on bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and perpendicular tensile strength values were examined, a decrease in the values was observed except for the 10 % OSR usage ratio. As a result of the application of alkali pretreatment, an increase in thickness swelling values was observed, while the values of mechanical properties increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis results showed more spaces between particles with an increasing OSR usage ratio. Formaldehyde emission values decreased with the increasing amount of OSR. Formaldehyde emission values increased slightly with the application of alkaline pretreatment. Based on the findings of this study, we can conclude that OSR can be used at particularly low ratio in particleboard production.
