Use of Agave durangensis Bagasse Fibers in the Production of Wood-Based Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

Oswaldo Moreno-Anguiano,Artemio Carrillo-Parra,Christian Wehenkel,Claudia E Hernández-Pacheco,José Guadalupe Rutiaga-Quiñones,Rigoberto Rosales-Serna,Pamela Rebolledo,Alain Cloutier

doi:10.3390/f13020271

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in using non-wood lignocellulosic materials for the production of wood-based medium density fiberboard (MDF). Agave durangensis Gentry bagasse is a waste product produced in large quantities in the mezcal industry. This study evaluated the incorporation of A. durangensis bagasse fibers (ADBF) to elaborate MDF wood-based panels. Three types of panels with different ratios (wood fibers: bagasse fibers) were investigated. The ratios evaluated were 100:0, 90:10, and 70:30. The density profiles, water absorption, and thickness swell of the panels were determined, as well as the modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and internal bond (IB), according to the ASTM D1037-06a standard. The results were compared to the ANSI A208.2-2016 standard. The effect of the addition of ADBF on the properties of the panels was analyzed. Density profiles were comparable among the three types of panels, while water absorption, thickness swelling, MOE, MOR, and IB were similar between panels with ratios of 100:0 and 90:10. Panels with 10% and 30% of ADBF meet the minimum ANSI requirements for quality grade 115. It is feasible to use up to 30% of ADBF in the manufacture of wood-based MDF panels.

Highlights

IntroductionThe demand for wood-based panels is increasing rapidly year after year
The results show that the incorporation of A. durangensis bagasse fiber does not affect the physical and mechanical properties of wood-based medium density fiberboard (MDF) panels
The MDF panels made with 10% of A. durangensis bagasse fibers (ADBF) did not present significant differences in their physical and mechanical properties with the wood-based panels, except for the thickness swelling after 24 h

Summary

Introduction

The demand for wood-based panels is increasing rapidly year after year. Fiberboards are among the panels that are increasingly in demand. According to ANSI A208.2-2016, medium density fiberboard (MDF) is recognized as a fiberboard panel of density between. 500 and 1000 kg·m–3 [1]. Medium density fiberboard is a panel composed of cellulosic fibers bonded with resin under heat and pressure. Medium density fiberboards have a wide application for non-structural uses [2], such as in the home and office furniture markets [3]. There are many advantages that distinguish MDF from other panels including edge screwing, painting properties, and good machining [4]

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Results

Conclusion