Modified graphene as potential additive for urea formaldehyde (UF) resin in medium density fiberboard (MDF) manufacturing

Abstract

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) and ethylenediamine-functionalized graphene oxide (EDA-GO) materials were used as a multifunction additive in a UF resin to test the relevant effects on the release of formaldehyde from medium density fiberboard (MDF). The GO was synthesized from graphite using the modified hummers method. Then, the as-synthesized GO was functionalized with ethylenediamine (EDA). The as-synthesized and modified nanomaterials were characterized by XRD, Raman Spectroscopy, AFM, and SEM-EDS techniques. These tests confirmed that the nanomaterials were of the required quality, and they were added to the resin to make the relevant panels. After making the boards, they were tested to determine their physical and mechanical properties, as well as formaldehyde emission based on relevant standards. Modulus of elasticity and formaldehyde emission reduction of the EDA-GO3-treated MDF panel were with the highest values. On the contrary, the higher performance of GO than that of EDA-GO was observed in a thermal property (t100°C). Microstructure and polar increase in the graphite planes network, due to oxidation, may be considered for its GO effects. Amino-functionalization of graphene oxide planes is suggested as the cause of the minimum formaldehyde emission and the maximum modulus of elasticity in the EDA-GO-incorporated MDF board since resin reaction sites with formaldehyde were enhanced by increasing the amine group content.