Investigation on the use of nanoclay against white rot fungi

Abstract

Background and Objective : Nanoclays as reinforcement filler for adhesives is being established but their efficacy againstwhiterot fungus in particle board is not much explored. The present aim of the study was to explore the usage of nanoclayNanomer PGV against White rot fungus in particle board. Methodology : For the study, eight single layer particle board particleboard made using (0.25 and 0.5 % wt )nanoclay reinforced Urea formaldehyde resin (UF)and melamine urea formaldehyderesin (MUF)was compared with control boards and boards made using 0.5 % boric acid. Dispersion of nanoclay in the ureaformaldehyde and melamine urea formaldehyde resin was done by mechanical mixing and it was characterised using Xraydiffraction. Efficacy of nanoclay against white rot fungus was studied using Agar block method as per IS: 4873. Results:Theintensity peak of Nanoclay disappeared after being dispersed into the UF resin and MUF resin by mechanical mixing. Thisindicated that the UF resin or MUF resin was able to enter the interlayer space of Nanomer PGV, hence exfoliated. From theresults of the efficacy test it was found that the nanoclay 0.25 % and 0.5 % concentration satisfied the attack of white rot in caseof UF and MUF resin bonded particle board. Conclusion: Nano clay has shown usefull effect on controlling the average weightloss due to white rot fungus in particle board