Fiberboard Manufacturing Research Articles

Influence of the amount and type of anti-adhesive agent on selected properties of fibreboards

Influence of the amount and type of anti-adhesive agent on selected properties od fibreboards. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the type and amount of release agent used in the manufacture of high-density fiberboards (HDF) on selected mechanical and physical properties of the produced boards. The scope of work included producing boards under laboratory conditions with 10 g/m2, 25 g/m2 and 50 g/m2 applied to the surface of the board and subjecting them to selected physical and mechanical importance. The results obtained show that the properties of the manufactured boards are related to the amount of formulation applied and that by using the right amount of formulation we can obtain values that meet the requirements of the relevant European standards.

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

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.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of High-Density Fiberboard Bonded with Bio-Based Adhesives

The high demand for wood-based composites generates a greater use of wood adhesives. The current industrial challenge is to develop modified synthetic adhesives to remove harmful formaldehyde, and to test natural adhesives. The scope of the current research included the manufacturing of high-density fiberboards (HDF) using natural binders such as polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and thermoplastic starch (TPS) with different resination (12%, 15%, 20%). The HDF with biopolymers was compared to a reference HDF, manufactured following the example of industrial technology, with commonly used adhesives such as urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin. Different mechanical and physical properties were determined, namely modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bonding strength (IB), thickness swelling (TS), water absorption (WA), surface water absorption (SWA), contact angle, as well as density profile; scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was also performed. The results showed that increasing the binder content significantly improved the mechanical properties of the panels in the case of starch binder (MOR from 31.35 N mm−2 to 40.10 N mm−2, IB from 0.24 N mm−2 to 0.39 N mm−2 for dry starch), and reduces these in the case of PLA and PCL. The wet method of starch addition improved the mechanical properties of panels; however, it negatively influenced the reaction of the panels to water (WA 90.3% for dry starch and 105.9% for wet starch after 24 h soaking). Due to dynamically evaporating solvents from the PLA and PCL binding mixtures, a development of the fibers’ resination (blending) techniques should be performed, to avoid the uneven spreading of the binder over the resinated material.

Nanofiber Cellulose Cocoa’s Hardboard on Compression Strength and Termite Resistance

Each year’s use of wood needs increases, but the resulting wood production is not in proportion to meet that need. The effort is required to overcome this by using a wood substitute that includes wood-based fiberboard. The manufacture of fiberboards requires a chemical base for adhesive, which can be used to reduce the use of chemicals and thus be used in the cacao fruit’s nanofibers. Related to wood materials, the natural enemy most damaging of these materials is termites. Termites are wood-eating insects that can reduce the quality of timber, for handling this a curing process can be employed using a sourced leaf with an antifeedant. The purpose of this study is to identify the compression failure and resilience of the fiberboard termites after being given an extract of cocoa skin and soursop leaves. Dimension of compression specimens is 200 mm x 50 mm x 30, compression perpendicular is 150 mm x 50 mm x 30 mm and terminate resistence is 70 mm x 50 mm x 150 mm with hollow’s diametres 2 mm deep 1 cm. The standard that used to measure compression is SNI 03-3958-1995 and termite resistance of hardboard is SNI SNI 01-7207-2006. The extra variety used is 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. Each variation will be done with a compression failure and termite resistance. Three different test items will be made with a total of 30 test items. Research shows compression failure parallel in strong class V wood, while compression failure perpendicular is included in the E5 quality code. Termite resistance 0%, 10% and 15% include C level damage while at 20% and 25% variation, including B damage.

Prediction of Diameter and Height of Rubber from Tree Age

Hevea brasiliensis (rubber) is one of the main economic crops in Sri Lanka which is cultivated primarily for latex production. Rubber tree is also a valuable source of fuel and timber used in wood[1]based industries such as medium density fiberboard manufacturing. Due to high economic value of rubber latex and wood, it is important for the plantation managers to have a reliable mechanism to monitor the growth of those trees in the plantations. Therefore, this study aimed at building mathematical models to predict the tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and total height of rubber with the tree age from the plantation establishment to the uprooting stage. Data collection was done at Halpe and Salawa rubber estates located in the low country wet zone. Dbh and total height measurements were collected from six age classes from 4 to 31 years, at each estate. Twenty trees were measured from each age class totaling to 240 tree measurements. After observing the distribution of both dbh and total height with tree age, two forms of non-linear models, viz., Michaelis-Menten and power-law, were selected for model construction. First, data collected from Halpe and Salawa estates were separately fitted to the selected two model forms and residuals were statistically compared. Since there were no significant differences of the residual values in the two sites for both dbh and height, the data were pooled and re-fitted to the selected models. The quality of the models were determined using both qualitative tests by standard residual distribution and quantitative tests by coefficient of determination, average model bias, mean absolute difference and modelling efficiency. Validation of the finally selected models was done using data reserved at the beginning which were not used for model construction. Finally, Michaelis-Menten models for dbh and height prediction of rubber were selected based on its higher performance than the power-law model.
 Keywords:Hevea brasiliensis, Michaelis-Menten, Allometric model, Modelling efficiency, Residuals
 Acknowledgement: Authors acknowledge the assistance of Pussellawa Plantations Limited

Multivariate Hotelling T2 Control Chart for Monitoring Some Quality Characteristics in Medium Density Fiberboard Manufacturing Process

Statistical process control tools are of great importance in terms of controlling manufacturing processes and improving product quality. In this study, the manufacturing process of medium density fiberboards manufactured in a company operating in the forest products industry was monitored by using multivariate Hotelling T2 statistical process control chart in terms of some quality characteristics. The T2 values of the signals detected by the Hotelling T2 control chart were also decomposed. By the decomposition of T2 values, it was determined which quality characteristics contributed more to each signal. It was seen that the process was not in control for Hotelling T2 control chart, which reveals the shift level in the mean of quality characteristics. As a result, the application of Hotelling T2 allowed fast detection of possible abnormalities in the process. The decomposition of T2 values successfully revealed which quality characteristics contributed significantly to the signals. Besides, it was concluded that, for monitoring, the Hotelling T2 chart was able to employ simultaneously different quality characteristics of medium density fiberboard. The current application study also contributed to the emergence of the root causes of the large shifts in the process. In conclusion, the findings of the study enabled the company to ensure the process stability and to facilitate decision-making on actions to be taken for quality improvement.

In Situ Wood Fiber Dyeing Through Laccase Catalysis for Fiberboard Production.

The aim of the present work was to develop an innovative and environmentally friendly process for wood fiber dyeing and to produce 3-dimensionally fully colored medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The potential of laccase-catalyzed polymerization of selected precursors to form dyes useful in fiberboard manufacturing, a technique used for the first time in this field, was demonstrated. Some of the 7 aromatic compounds tested yielded colored products after laccase treatment under both acid and alkaline conditions, and a good variety of colors was attained by using mixtures of two different monomers. To demonstrate the coloration and design potential of laccase conversion of aromatic compounds, MDFs were enzymatically dyed using an in situ one-step laccase-catalyzed coloration process, and the results were compared against commercial MDFs obtained by using organic coloring agents. Important advantages over conventional processing methods include good color fastness and, in some cases, new hydrophobic properties, allowing designers and woodworkers to explore the beauty of textures and the use of simpler and milder processing conditions that eliminate harsh chemical use and reduce energy consumption.

Utilization of activated carbon as an additive for urea-formaldehyde resin in medium density fiberboard (MDF) manufacturing

In this study, the MDF sanding dust was examined as a precursor for synthesizing activated carbon (AC). For this purpose, MDF sanding dust was impregnated with KOH at two different weight ratios 1:0.50 and 1:1 (sanding dust/KOH). The process was done in one step at a temperature of 750 °C and a heating rate of 8 °C/min. The synthesized ACs at different content were added into urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin for medium density fiberboard (MDF) production. The laboratory MDF boards were produced using a hot press at a temperature of 190 °C and pressure of 40 MPa. The ACs content in UF resin was set at 0.25%, 0.50% and 1% based on the dry weight of the resin. The ACs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The BET equation was used to determine the specific surface area of the AC samples. Water absorption, thickness swelling, internal bonding, flexural modulus and strength, and the formaldehyde emission from MDF boards were determined. The curing behavior of UF resins were evaluated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results revealed that surface area and micropore volume of ACs increase with increasing KOH ratio; and the ACs exhibited three-dimensional porous network structures. The DSC results also showed that the ACs significantly increase the reaction enthalpy of UF resins. The addition of AC as an additive to UF resin significantly reduces formaldehyde release from MDF boards and improves their physical and mechanical properties.

Potential of the crude glycerol and citric acid mixture as a binder in medium-density fiberboard manufacturing

Potential of the crude glycerol and citric acid mixture as a binder in medium-density fiberboard manufacturing

A Sustainable Strategy for Medium-Density Fiberboards Preparation from Waste Hybrid Pennisetum Straws

The remaining waste residues of crops such as straws are considered a sustainable material that can be used in the manufacture of medium-density fiberboards (MDF). The hybrid Pennisetum straw has a high cellulose content, which gives it the potential to be used as a sustainable material in the manufacturing of MDF. In this study, a hot-pressing method was used to obtain MDF with a density of 650 kg m−3 and a thickness of 15 mm from hybrid Pennisetum straws. The effect of pressing temperatures on the thermal stability and physical properties of the obtained MDF was discussed. The results showed that the MDF obtained by hot pressing at 195 °C for 7.5 min had the optimum physical properties, which contained a static bending strength of 12.33 MPa, a nail holding force of 1313 N, and an elastic modulus of 2572 MPa. The mechanism of interfacial adhesion between fiber and resin was investigated. It was found that increasing the pressing temperature not only promoted the curing of the urea–formaldehyde resin, but also promoted the degradation of hemicellulose and lignin inside the straws.

Development of green adhesives for fiberboard manufacturing, using okoume bark tannins and hexamine – characterization by 1H NMR, TMA, TGA and DSC analysis

Okoume wood is widely known for having an excellent unwinding capability. This hardwood species was used for tannin extraction in order to formulate for the first time tropical hardwood, an eco-friendly adhesive. The tannins were extracted from the bark, then mixed to hexamine for hardening. The system obtained showed high values of the elasticity modulus (3681 MPa; 3752 M Pa; 3894 MPa; 3971 MPa) according to the thermomechanical analysis. A good cohesive index of ≥80% and ≥60% based on standard NF EN 314-1 and NF EN 314-2. 1H NMR analysis was used to understand the reactivity between Okoume tannins and hexamine and also to compare the reactivity with hexamine of tannins extracted from different Okoume barks. Thermal stability control revealed advanced thermal degradation of the adhesive system.

Methane production potential and anaerobic treatability of wastewater and sludge from medium density fibreboard manufacturing

This research evaluates the suitability of anaerobic digestion of different waste streams derived from Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) manufacturing. Methane production potential and anaerobic treatability were firstly assessed in batch assays for raw wastewater, physical-chemical pre-treated wastewater, as well as for sludge generated by current wastewater treatment at an industrial facility. Single-feeding and multi-feeding (semi-continuous feeding) experiments were conducted to quantify methane production and methanogenic toxicity. Digestion of the raw wastewater produced 4.0 L CH4/L, which required dilution of the wastewater to 30–40% because severe toxicity was observed at 40% raw wastewater. Digestion of current process sludge produced 21.4 mL CH4/g raw sludge, but it also required dilution to avoid toxicity. Working with these substrates, the necessary dilution led to a maximum concentration of soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 4.2–4.6 g/L in the digestion medium, while the conversion of total COD to methane remained below 22%. Pre-treated wastewater in the current industrial process did not show inhibition, but gave a low methane production of only 0.8 L CH4/L. An alternative treatment scheme consisting of simple sedimentation of raw wastewater followed by pre-aeration showed enhanced methane production of 4–4.8 L CH4/L at higher concentrations of up to 80% wastewater in the assay medium. Sedimentation allowed increasing the soluble COD in the digestion medium up to 6.9 g/L, while the additional pre-aeration further increased the soluble COD to 12.9 g/L without inhibition of methane production. Conversion of total COD to methane during the exponential phase increased to 64%. Simple sedimentation also removed 82% of suspended solids, which would help prevent clogging and improve anaerobic treatability in continuous digesters.

Production of medium density fiberboard (MDF) from birch (Betula pendula L.) wood biomass

This study used the wood of birch (Betula pendula) supplies were brought from western regions of Ukraine to Turkey Kastamonu İnebolu port by special a company. From there, it was brought to a special factory, which produces medium-density fiberboard (MDF) manufacturing in Kastamonu Organized Industrial Zone. In the study, MDF was produced from the fibers of 100% birch wood. In MDF production, boards were produced using 0.96 mol E1 urea-formaldehyde glue in different percentage proportions. For the test performances of these boards, the test samples were produced in a continuous press line. In test production, glue in four different percentages (10.05%, 12.96%, 13.46% and 13.94%) was used. According to the glue consumption percentage ratios, physical (density, thickness, swelling, water absorption) and mechanical (bending strength, bending elasticity modulus, internal bond strength, board screw holding strength) test performances were measured. As a result, as the percentage of urea-formaldehyde consumption increases in MDF production, it was determined that the performance values of the boards decrease. When producing MDF from birch wood, the board should be produced according to the glue consumption, which gives the optimum test results.

Reduced use of urea-formaldehyde resin and press time due to the use of melamine resin-impregnated paper waste in MDF

In this research, the effect of melamine resin-impregnated paper waste mixed with industrial wood fibers for medium density fiberboard manufacture was studied. One layer laboratory panel with the resin-impregnated paper of 0/100, 10/90, 20/80, 30/70 percent by weight, press time of 4 and 6 min, and resin content of 8 and 10% to dry weight of fibers, was produced. The physical and mechanical properties of panels including modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bonding (IB), and thickness swelling (TS) were measured. The results showed that resin-impregnated paper waste had a significant effect on MOR, MOE, and IB, where the TS of panels was decreased as resin-impregnated paper waste was increased. Furthermore, the result indicated that press time and resin content had a significant negative effect on the physical and mechanical properties of panels. According to statistical analysis, 20% resin-impregnated paper with 8% resin content and 4 min press time were the best treatments in this study.

Hygrothermal Treatment of Tepa (Laureliopsis philippiana Looser) Fibers

The present study consisted in determining the effects of a hygrothermal treatment on wood fibers from the Laureliopsis philippiana Looser species. The fibers were treated in autoclave at 150 °C for 90 minutes at a pressure of 430 kPa, which was generated during the evaporation process of the water in autoclave. Physical properties, color, and water retention capacity of hygrothermically treated and untreated fibers were analyzed. The chemical properties determined were the extractable amount in sodium hydroxide, toluene ethanol, hot and cold water, the cellulose, holocellulose and lignin contents, the pH value, the percentage of volatile and washable acids, and the buffer capacity. In hygrothermically treated fibers, a change of color was detected as well as a reduction in the water retention capacity and an increase in the percentage of extractable, cellulose, lignin and a decrease of holocellulose. Also an increase in acidity, amount of volatile and washable acids and buffer capacity were determined. Due to the chemical changes observed in the treated fibers, these would present advantages in the manufacture of fiberboards, facilitating the setting of the amino resins.

The effect of seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) age differences as a material on medium density fiberboard (MDF) manufacture

Eucheuma cottonii is a potential type of seaweed because of its abundant production. Its content of lignocellulose could be beneficial in Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) manufacture since it could increase the market of this kind of seaweed. Lignocellulose itself is influenced by the age of seaweed. The aim of this study was to determine the different age in Eucheuma cottonii which could effect on its physical and mechanical properties of MDF product. Furthermore, the aim was also to investigate whether the product could meet standard set by JIS A 5908 2003. The study was designed using a Completely Randomized Design with five types of treatment and four times replications. This study used Eucheuma cottonii and sawdust. Manufacture of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) consisted of five types of treatment: T0: Sawdust 100%, T1: Seaweed 100%, T2: Sawdust 50 % + Seaweed 50 % aged 15 days, T3: Sawdust 50 % + Seaweed 50 % aged 30 days, T4 Sawdust 50 % + Seaweed 50 % aged 45 days. The results showed that different between physical and mechanical test for the each treatment.

Фізичні основи очищення газових сумішей з допомогою фільтрування

Розглянуто форми подрібнених дисперсних матеріалів. Наведено формули визначення еквівалентного діаметра. Подано класифікацію сучасних фільтрів, розкрито їхні особливості. Показано основні чинники, що впливають на роботу фільтрів. Відомо, що сушильні апарати для подрібненої деревини, які часто використовують у виробництві деревостружкових і деревоволокнистих плит, для конвективного підведення тепла до стружки, як об'єкта сушіння, потребують уважного ставлення до енергоощадності. Варто зазначити, що специфічні властивості подрібненої деревини (малі розміри частинок, мала насипна маса, рухомість, парусність) дають змогу використовувати різноманітні способи сушіння: сушіння у щільному, киплячому, розпушеному шарі, а також безпосередній контакт об'єкта сушіння із нагрітою металевою поверхнею. Незважаючи на конструкційне розмаїття сушильних агрегатів для подрібненої деревини, найпоширенішими є конвективні сушарки із пневмомеханічним переміщенням подрібненого матеріалу. Наведені нижче формули дають змогу залежно від форми та розмірів подрібнених частинок і породи деревини зробити правильний вибір типу фільтру. Останнє дає змогу оцінити роботу самих фільтрувальних пристроїв. Адже за мірою накопичення пиловловлюваних подрібнених частинок значно зростає ступінь їх вловлюваності.

Physical and mechanical properties of thin high density fiberboard bonded with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU)

ABSTRACT1,3-dimethyl-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DDHEU) and 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) were used as the binders in 3-mm high density fiberboard (HDF) manufacturing. The studies focus on the physical and mechanical properties of boards bonded with DDHEU or DMDHEU as a potential substitute for typically used urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. The adhesive loads were 8% or 12%. The UF-bonded boards of same resin load were used as the controls. Applied pressing time ranged between 4 and 5 minutes. The results indicate that the use of DDHEU or DMDHEU as binders enhanced physical and mechanical properties of the boards. It was found that properly set pressing scheme and resin type allowed produce DDHEU- and DMDHEU-bonded HDF that exhibited comparable or superior performance when compared to the UF-bonded reference series and complied with European Standards. The best performing boards exhibited internal bond 1.3 MPa, modulus of elasticity 9656 MPa, modulus of rupture 56.5 MPa, thickness swelling 14% and formaldehyde release below 3.0 mg/m2h. Due to low reactivity of DDHEU and DMDHEU at temperatures below 160°C, the approach is effective for thin boards only.

Green Binder Based on Enzymatically Polymerized Eucalypt Kraft Lignin for Fiberboard Manufacturing: A Preliminary Study.

The capability of laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila to drive oxidative polymerization of Eucalyptus globulus Kraft lignin (KL) was studied as a previous step before applying this biotechnological approach for the manufacturing of medium-density fiberboards (MDF) at a pilot scale. This method, which improves the self-bonding capacity of wood fibers by lignin enzymatic cross-linking, mimics the natural process of lignification in living plants and trees. An interesting pathway to promote these interactions could be the addition of lignin to the system. The characterization of E. globulus KL after enzymatic treatment showed a decrease of phenolic groups as well as the aromatic protons without loss of aromaticity. There was also an extensive oxidative polymerization of the biomolecule. In the manufacture of self-bonded MDF, the synergy generated by the added lignin and laccase provided promising results. Thus, whenever laccase was present in the treatment, MDF showed an increase in mechanical and dimensional stability for increasing amounts of lignin. In a pilot scale, this method produced MDF that meets the requirements of the European standards for both thickness swell (TS) and internal bonding (IB) for indoor applications.

Interfacial and physico-mechanical properties of walnut shell fiber reinforced polyester matrix composites

Abstract Turkey produces over 200,000 tons of walnut annually as the fourth largest producer in the world. Walnut shells amount to 40–60 % of the total weight, rendering over 100,000 tons of shells per year, mostly as waste. A limited quantity is utilized for fiberboard manufacturing, some as solid fuel or as scrubbing material in the chemical and metal industries. The purpose of this study is to develop low-cost polyester composites with enhanced physico-mechanical properties by using walnut cellulosic fibers as a reinforcement phase for polyester resin. The process not only makes production more economical but also reduces waste. The shells were ground and a detailed characterization of the waste fibers was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, laser diffraction and He gas picnometer techniques. The effects of the filler to matrix ratio as well as chemical treatment of walnut fibers on the physical and mechanical properties of the composite were determined. The composites were characterized by means of measurements for porosity, density, three point bending strength, impact resistance and hardness. The structure-property relationship of developed composites was discussed. Optimum physico-mechanical properties were obtained through a hydrophobic solution treatment of the powder since this provided better processability and enhanced interfacial adhesion.