Influence of varying density on the mechanical and physical properties of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) containing kenaf

Abstract

Generally, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is made from rubberwood, wood fiber and pine wood with combination of non-woody plant and agricultural residues in producing furniture and laminated floor. The usage of kenaf as main production of MDF had attracted attentions from researchers due to its anatomy of physicals and high content of organic compound namely are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Due to these advantages, kenaf showed the huge potential in producing MDF with the bigger scale of production. In present study, nine (9) panel boards of MDF with sizes of 350 (length) x 350 (width) x 12 (thickness) in millimetres were fabricated based on three (3) different target densities started from 0.7 g/cm3 to 0.8 g/cm3. A total of three (3) samples for each target density were prepared for the measurements. The proportion of 65:15 which was described as ratio of kenaf particles to urea formaldehyde (UF) were selected and measured from the total volume of panel board. Testing of Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Internal Bonding (IB) and Thickness Swelling (TS) were conducted in the present study. All measurements were carried out according to the BS EN 310:1993, BS EN 319:1993 and BS EN 317:1993. Results showed the increment of MOR, MOE and decrement of IB and TS were associated with increment of target density. Thus, target density of 0.8 g/cm3 for MDF is the best selection due to high MOR and MOE and low IB and TS corresponding to other two (2) target densities. The decrement of panel thickness also capable to achieve high density associated with high MOR and MOE. Therefore, the significant outcome shows the kenaf plant have the potential as alternative material to produce the Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF).