Studies on Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) Pruning Residues and its suitability for MDF production

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Demand for forestry products is rising, even as natural forests yield fewer industrial wood products. This growing need, driven by population increases and new applications, places significant pressure on existing forest resources. The decline in raw materials negatively impacts sectors like medium-density fiberboard (MDF), prompting wood industries to explore alternative materials. Abundant and accessible wood waste and residues have become a focus for researchers. One promising material is Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), with around 100 million trees cultivated globally. Each tree, requiring pruning, produces approximately 34 kg of residues annually, with at least 10 kg deemed consistently generated. A study was conducted to assess the properties of Date Palm pruning residues, particularly for MDF production. Utilizing a dry process on a pilot plant scale, results indicated that boards made from these residues exhibit superior properties compared to ASTM and EN standards, especially regarding mechanical properties. Consequently, Date palm pruning residues present a viable alternative for MDF manufacturing through the dry process.