Effects of surface lamination process parameters on medium density fiberboard (MDF) properties

Abstract

Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is widely utilized in furniture production. Most MDF in such applications has a surface laminate layer. The lamination process improves the physical and mechanical properties of the boards. The temperature, press time, and pressure values applied during the lamination process affect such properties. In this work, the lamination process was carried out using a constant temperature (180 °C), four different press times (18, 20, 22, and 24 s), and three different pressures (25, 30, and 35 kg/cm2). The raw weight of the decor paper was 90 g/m2 and UF and MF glues were used in its production. The properties of the laminated panels were then determined for each variation. In general, the water absorption and thickness swelling properties were improved at the lower pressure and higher press times. The internal bonding strength exhibited a linear change at different press times depending on increasing pressure values, whereas the changes in the bending strength and modulus of elasticity in bending were not statistically significant. It was concluded that the BS increased with rising pressure in the short-term lamination process and that the effect of the pressure on the BS declined with increasing press time.