The experimental panels were manually manufactured after the particles had been blended with 10% urea formaldehyde resin in a rotary drum. The furnish was placed in wooden former having the dimensions of 340 mm x 340 mm and pre-pressed prior to hot pressing. The mats were pressed at a temperature of 160 ˚C under a pressure 160 kg/cm2 for 6 min in a computer-controlled press to a target thickness of 12 mm. The samples were controlled at a constant density of 0.70 g/cm3. The boards were conditioned at a temperature of 20 ˚C and a relative humidity of 65% for 1 week before preparation of test specimens.