Abstract
This research aims to explore the effects of nanoparticles such as alumina (Al2O3) on the physical and mechanical properties of medium density fiberboards (MDF). The nanoparticles are added in urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin with different concentration levels e.g., 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5% by weight. A combination of forest fibers such as Populus Deltuidess (Poplar) and Euamericana (Ghaz) are used as a composite reinforcement due to their exceptional abrasion confrontation as well as their affordability and economic value with Al2O3-UF as a matrix or nanofillers for making the desired nanocomposite specimens. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermal analytical analysis (TAA) in the form of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are carried out and it has been found that increasing the percentage of alumina nanoparticles leads to an increase in the total heat content. The mechanical properties such as internal bonding (IB), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR), and physical properties such as density, water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS) of the specimens have been investigated. The experimental results showed that properties of the new Nano-MDF are higher when compared to the normal samples. The results also showed that increasing the concentration of alumina nanoparticles in the urea-formaldehyde resin effects the mechanical properties of panels considerably.
Highlights
Wood-based panels are manufactured with the help of heat-curing adhesive such as thermosetting resin which holds the wood fibers together
The addition of nanoparticles has been analyzed in various contexts in literature; our study proposes specific nanoparticles called alumina (Al2 O3 ) for the improvement of physical and mechanical properties of medium density fiberboard
The microstructural analysis and scanning electron microscopy of Al2 O3 -UF was conducted for the purpose to examine the role of nanoparticles in the resin
Summary
Wood-based panels are manufactured with the help of heat-curing adhesive such as thermosetting resin which holds the wood fibers together. It has a potential for versatile designs and affordability. The panels have long service life and better mechanical properties [1]. The carcinogenic emission from the panel of formaldehyde is one of the disadvantages with the use of urea-formaldehyde resin [2]. To reduce formaldehyde emission, certain additives including formaldehyde catchers and melamine are used [3]. For the reduction of formaldehyde emission, Dudkin et al [4], undertook the addition of Materials 2020, 13, 4207; doi:10.3390/ma13184207 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
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