The study investigates the properties of lightweight (350–550 kg/m3) particleboardsmade using wood or rape particles and with veneers applied to their surfaces. Their suitability for the production of furniture and elements of interior design isdiscussed. Panels with veneer on their faces were made using a “one shot” pressing cycle. It was found that rape particles may be used for the production of lightweight particleboards, and that they are a good alternative to wood chips. Particleboards made of rape straw, covered with beech veneer during the pressing cycle in order to strengthen their subsurface layers, have better properties than the corresponding wood-chip-based particleboards. However, all the boards, throughout the whole density range, meet the requirements for P2 boards, i.e. boards intended for interior decoration and furniture production (MOR 11 N/mm2, MOE 1600 N/mm2,IB 0.35 N/mm2 according to EN 312).
The effect of pressing time on properties of particleboards resinated with phenol-formaldehyde resin modified with polyols. The study investigated the effect of modification of phenolic resin with polyols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol and glycerol on the possibility to shorten pressing time for particleboards manufactured with the use of such modified PF resin. Tests showed that all types of polyols added to resin considerably improved physico-mechanical properties of manufactured boards. The application of butylene glycol or glycerol makes it possible to manufacture boards with good properties at pressing time shortened by 20%.