Medium Density Particleboard Research Articles

Life cycle assessment as a circular economy strategy to select eco-efficient raw materials for particleboard production

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is applied for choosing and comparing circular alternatives, comprising a bicomponent polyurethane resin based on castor oil (PU) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) particles to conventional materials using urea formaldehyde (UF) and eucalyptus particles, for the production of 1 m3 of medium-density particleboard (MDP), from cradle-to-gate, with five different formulations. Databases were used in life cycle inventory and the ReCiPe impact method was selected at midpoint level. The eco-efficiency index, based on modulus of rupture and CO2 emissions, revealed that the best condition was the panels using alternative materials, as it can reduce up to 74 % the environmental burdens investigated. The panel using only circular materials showed feasible technical performance according with the physical-mechanical properties considered, generating the best eco-efficiency indicator (0,154 MPa/CO2 eq.). These results build a foundation for reconsidering the selection of raw materials in large-scale MDP production, potentially leading to the adoption of more sustainable practices.

Physical-mechanical properties of MDP panels with the addition of melamine paper in the internal layer

Particleboard panels find extensive application in the furniture sector, but their low stability in contact with water hinders their utilization. Simultaneously, the trimmings of melamine paper, exhibiting hydrophobic properties, used in panel finishing, represent unused industrial waste. This study aimed to evaluate the physical-mechanical properties of MDP (Medium Density Particleboard) panels produced with Pinus taeda and castor oil-based polyurethane resin with the addition of different proportions of melamine paper (0, 5, and 10%). The properties of density, moisture content, thickness swelling, water absorption, static bending, internal bonding, and screw withdrawal resistance, on face and top, were evaluated, following normative documents. At the end of the tests, statistical analysis was conducted at a 5% significance level to check any statistical differences among the means. The addition of melamine paper caused to an increase in panel density and moisture content, but all treatments remained within the ideal range. Thickness swelling and water absorption decreased, while all mechanical properties improved with an increase in the quantity of added melamine paper. Therefore, the use of melamine paper in MDP panels is viable and beneficial, notably the treatment with a 10% addition of melamine paper.

The study on surface morphology and decorative properties of Magnesium-glass-board (MGB).

In order to improve the decorative properties of Magnesium-Glass-Board (MGB), the surface morphology and decoration performance of MGB, are studied in detail by using profilometer, microscope and SEM, and the influence of its characterization, such as surface roughness, surface porosity and wettability, on decorative properties of MGB is analyzed by comparing with medium density fiberboard (MDF) and medium density particleboard (MDP). The results first showed that the surface of MGB has a porous structure, but MDF and MDP are not, resulting in a poor decorative performance of MGB. Second, it is found that the surface wettability of MGB is better than others. Third, the hot-pressing parameters including pressure, temperature and time have different influence on decorative performance of MGB during hot-pressing experiment. Finally, the surface bonding strength is positively correlated with pressure, but not with temperature and time. In general, a higher surface bonding strength led to a better decorative performance of MGB. The furthermore research can concentrate on the modification method of the MGB's surface according to this paper's conclusion to improve the lamination performance of melamine paper.

Properties of flyash based wood geopolymer composite

Geopolymers are inorganic adhesive synthesized from industrial waste such as fly ash thus the development of wood geopolymer composite would be a low carbon footprint material. Geopolymers, being a non-formaldehyde adhesive can be used as an alternative binder for wood based composites where environmentally friendly and sustainability of product is important. In this study flyash as precursor is been used in the development of wood geopolymer composite product. Flyash is activated with a combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions at a weight ratio of 1:2.5 for geopolymer formation. The study investigated the properties of wood geopolymer composite made with ratios of wood particle to flyash percentage (23/77), (37/62), (44/55), (50/50) and (57/43). Geopolymer formation was observed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Influence of wood particles in wood geopolymer composite were observed by Scanning electron microscope. The study shows that the water absorption and thickness selling properties of all the formulations of wood geopolymer composites are comparable with the medium density particle board and cement-bonded particleboard according to the IS:3087–2005 standard and IS: 12406: respectively. Highest mechanical properties and good bond strength was obtained by the composite containing 23% wood particle ratio with 77% percent flyash. However, still improvement in mechanical properties is needed to achieve the mechanical properties comparable to cement bonded particle board.

Production of Particleboard from Agricultural Waste - A Sustainable Approach to Waste Management

Large amounts of agricultural waste are left unutilized in Nigeria, resulting in detrimental environmental consequences. Particleboard made from such trash would help to reduce deforestation and have a good impact on the environment. The characteristics of particleboard made from corn cob (CC) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) with cassava starch and urea formaldehyde as separate binders were compared in this study. CC and SB mix proportions of 90:10, 70:30, and 50:50 percent (by volume) were used to make three layers of medium density particleboard. Manual mixing and blending of 25% and 10% by volume of the different binders and water respectively was done. The mixtures were compressed for 1 hour at 100 °C and 342 kg/m2. The ASTM D. 1037-12 (2020) and EN 312 (2010) standards were used to evaluate the particleboard. However, particleboard produced from 90 % CC and 10 % SB with cassava starch binder had the greatest modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 444.65 N/mm2 and modulus of rapture (MOR) of 10.59 N/mm2. The MOR and MOE data from this investigation allowed researchers to draw the conclusion that while the mechanical qualities of the panels improved as the fraction of CC particles increased, the panels' physical characteristics remained subpar.

Wood Waste Management from the Furniture Industry: The Environmental Performances of Recycling, Energy Recovery, and Landfill Treatments

Proper management of wood waste (WW) from the furniture industry has become an important issue. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool that is widely used for identifying environmental gains in WW management strategies. Thus, the aim of this research was to perform a comparative LCA, analyzing the environmental aspects and impacts of different WW management scenarios generated in the furniture industry in the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil. To conduct the study, five scenarios were designed: medium-density fiberboard (MDF) production (Scenario 1), medium-density particleboard (MDP) production (Scenario 2), solid ceramic brick production (Scenario 3), heat production in the ceramics industry (Scenario 4), and landfill disposal (Scenario 5). The results showed that compared to Scenarios 3 and 4, Scenarios 1 and 2 are potentially more favorable for disposing of WW. Scenario 1 achieved more environmental benefits in all of the impact categories evaluated. Notably, 1 m3 of MDF stores 1080 kg CO2 eq/m3, which results in a net impact of −849 kg CO2 eq/m3 of MDF. Scenario 5 is the least favorable practice. This research designs scenarios that contribute to reductions in the demand for virgin sources and increases in environmental gains.

Development of a composite product from fibre yielding crop residues

Particleboard is one of the wood-based composite products, developed from wood and wood industry waste in admixture with an adhesive by thermos-compression. Wood is gradually becoming scarce due to deforestation and it leads to search for an alternative raw material. Jute, flax, and hemp plants are important fibre yielding industrial crops since their respective farming provides economic support to the developing nations from the rural areas. After the extraction of fibres from them, a lot of biomasses in terms of shives and sticks are generated as agricultural waste, and recently, these lignocellulosic biomasses have attained a special attention for the development of medium density particleboard. In this present work, an attempt has made to study the effect of flax shive and jute stick particle blends in admixture with phenol formaldehyde resin on the performance of the particleboard in terms of density, modulus of rupture and water swelling. The particle size distribution, bulk density, chemical composition, thermal properties, and surface chemistry of jute stick and flax shive have studied to assess their compatibility. Results inferred that a 50% jute stick: 50% flax shive combination based particleboard met the desirable properties of a medium density particleboard and showed higher performance than other combinations. It could be concluding that the combined use of biomass residuals for the development of a potential industrial product like packaging box, furniture, false ceilings etc, and it could open a new avenue to their farmers for the creation of wealth from the waste.

Environmental Analysis of the Incorporation of Sugarcane Bagasse in Medium Density Particleboard Panels through Life Cycle Assessment

The growth of civil construction and agroindustry, resulting from population growth, caused an increase in the demand for non-renewable resources and for the exploitation of natural resources. Consequently, it caused a greater generation of waste, causing the current scenario to require alternatives for the reuse of these materials. Particleboard panels, for example, used in civil construction, can add value to waste or materials of low acceptance, such as thinning wood, mechanical wood processing waste or agro-industrial waste. Thus, this study proposed to analyse the life cycle of the sugarcane bagasse, considering the stages of extraction of materials and energy resources until their final disposal. This study aimed to compare impacts generated by the production of particleboards panels produced with wood from plantations (pine) and with the sugarcane bagasse. As a result, a better environmental performance was obtained from the panel composed of sugarcane bagasse, as it generated lower environmental impacts in all impact categories studied. The benefits range from the reduction in waste disposed of in landfills, which increase its useful life, the lower demand for reforestation, with steps that generate atmospheric emissions and degrade the soil.

Converting flax processing waste into value added biocomposites

Flax fibers have excellent strength and other properties preferable for textile, composites and other applications. In addition to being an important industrial crop, many studies have been reported on the use of flax fibers, flax fabrics and other flax based products as reinforcement for composites. Processing flax fibers into yarns generates considerable (up to 25%) amounts of fibrous and non-fibrous waste which is generally discarded or used for low value applications. Pure flax fiber have current selling price between 6.5 and 7 Euro/kg compared to 0.16–0.19 Euro/kg for the flax waste used in this study which could make the composites highly affordable. To realize the unique properties of flax fibers such as its relatively high strength and add value to the waste, flax processing waste were used as reinforcement for polypropylene (PP) composites. Flax waste was separated into fibrous and non-fibrous (powder) components and combined in various ratios with poly(propylene) as the matrix. A compatibilizer (maleated polypropylene) (MAPP) was used to improve the surface interaction and adhesion between reinforcement and matrix and enhance the properties. Substantial increase in strength and modulus were observed due to the addition of the compatibilizer. A compatibilizer content of 3% was found to be optimum when the tensile strength was highest at 27 MPa and tensile modulus was 1212 MPa. The thermal conductivity and noise insulation properties also showed an improvement from 0.050 to 0.039 W/mK and 0.05–0.35 respectively after the addition of the compatibilizer. Flax-PP composites have properties surpassing that of commercially available medium density particle boards and that of neat PP.

Evaluation of the Emission of Formaldehyde from Wood-Based Panels (MDFs and MDPs) in Brazil After Use

The rising popularity of various types of wood panels and the advances in manufacturing technology have increased the uses of wood. The bonding of fibers and particles to form panels, however, involves impregnation with resins, such as phenolic adhesives, which delivery desirable quality to the panels due to their insolubility in water, resistance against heat among others, but are also recognized as carcinogenic to humans (IARC, 2004). This study involved measuring the levels of formaldehyde, remaining in wood panels after use and disposal. It was initially evaluated new panels and then examined degraded ones. The results demonstrated significant volatilization of formaldehyde during the degradation process of the panels, with losses of 74.83% for MDF and 85.71% for medium density particleboards (MDP). The results demonstrated significant volatilization of formaldehyde during the degradation process of the panels, with losses of 74.83% for MDF and 85.71% for medium density particleboards (MDP).

Correlation between natural and artificial aging in particleboards

Abstract The main objective of this work was to establish a correlation between natural aging with artificial aging in medium density particleboards produced with polyurethane resin of castor oil and Pinus sp. For such correlation, climatological parameters at São Carlos city, São Paulo state Brazil were used. The established correlation was that 20 cycles would be proportional to the same degradation of two months of exposure under natural aging. The relation between physical and mechanical properties with the effects provided by number of months (M) on the natural aging with number of cycles (Nc) on the artificial aging was obtained with cubical polynomial regression models. In general, for physical properties, 20 Nc represents 7 to 8 months and for mechanical properties, 11 to 12 months, with exception to internal bonding, with 8 months of natural aging. The equations which best represent the relation between Nc and M were thickness swelling at 2h and water absorption at 2 h and 24 h, with R² above 93%.

By-Products of the Timber Industries as Raw-Material for the Production of MDP (Medium Density Particleboard)

This study aimed to verify technical potential of using waste from wood veneers and plywood as a raw material for the production of MDP. The variance analysis of the panels density was carried out. Physical-mechanical properties were evaluated by comparing them with the international standards and by analysis of variance. The averages were subjected to the analysis of covariance, at the level of 5% probability. Finally, Pearson’s correlation analysis between properties was performed. The panels produced with “log core” and “veneer clippings” residues showed equivalent averages for physical properties and higher for mechanical properties of internal bond and surface screw withdrawal, when compared the averages of panels produced with commercial particles. Panels produced with “plywood cutting” showed unsatisfactory mechanical properties. It’s concluded that the “log core” and “veneer clippings” residues show potential for use as a raw material in the composition of MDP.

Reuse of banana fiber and peanut shells for the design of new prefabricated products for buildings

This work presents a sustainable panel elaboration for housing interiors through banana fiber and peanut shells gathered from crop residues, consolidated with a polyester resin binder. A material characterization process was defined by forming three prototypes with different dosages. The prototypes performed physical and mechanical tests following recommendations from previous research and the standards. The results obtained were favorable regarding thermal transmittance percentages, achieving an average resistance comparable to non-structural medium density particleboard (MDP). Performance comparisons were also established, which depict the potential of these prototypes to contribute to the building industry, including the development of thermally comfortable environments.

Pressing Temperature Effect on the Properties of Medium Density Particleboard Made with Sugarcane Bagasse and Plastic Bags

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of different pressing temperatures on the physical and mechanical properties of Medium Density Particleboard (MDP) manufactured with sugarcane bagasse and waste plastic bags.The temperatures of 160, 180, 200 and 220ºC were evaluated for the panels pressing. The panels were produced with a nominal density of 0.70 g/cm3, a face/core ratio of 40:60, 12% urea-formaldehyde adhesive for the faces and 8% for the core. The panels were evaluated for properties of density, compaction ratio, humidity, water absorption after two and twenty-four hours (WA2h and WA24h), thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours of immersion in water (TS2h and TS24h), module of rupture (MOR) and module of elasticity (MOE) in static bending, internal bonding, janka hardness and screw pulling. There was no significant effect of pressing temperature on density, MOR, MOE, internal bonding and janka hardness of the panels.The pressing temperature significantly influenced the properties of WA, TS and screw pullout, promoting a decrease in the mean values of WA2h, WA24h, TS2h and TS, and an increase in screw pullout resistance. The temperature of 220°C resulted in MDP panels with sugarcane bagasse and residual plastic bags of better quality.

Evaluation of the use of açaí seed residue as reinforcement in polymeric composite

Açaí ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is an important economic source in the north region of Brazil for agro-industry. However, it generates a huge amount of seed residue as agro-waste. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of this residue as reinforcement in particleboards. The medium-density particleboards were manufactured according to the experimental design (22 + 1), considering the parameters with two factors: “Granulometry”, for different açaí seed sizes (2.38, 1.19, 0.29, 0.15 and 0.07 mm) and “%Resin”, for different resin weight fractions (10%, 12.5% and 15%), both applied in the manufacturing of the composites. Measurements for the Apparent Density Thickness Swelling and Water Absorption (WA) of the particleboards were performed. Mechanical properties of particleboards were analyzed through top and surface Screw Withdrawal and Internal Bonding test. In addition, the morphology of surface from particleboards was evaluated through Scanning Electron Microscopy The results of TS for 24 h, WA for 2 and 24 h, and IB showed that the particle size was a significant factor ( p < .05). These results established that the highest particle sizes provided lower percentages of absorption. The results of Screw Withdrawal did not achieve the requirements established by NBR 14810–2:2018 standard. Besides that, the results presented statistical difference, considering the particle size and the interaction between parameters (“%Resin” and “Granulometry”), which resulted in a p-value < .05. For the Internal Bonding test, the composite with highest particle size exhibited the best performance compared to the other ones.

Technological Properties of Medium Density Particleboards Produced with Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea) and Pinus Oocarpa Hulls

Technological Properties of Medium Density Particleboards Produced with Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea) and Pinus Oocarpa Hulls

Study of ultrasonically welded thermoplastic dowel-wood board assembly

• Ultrasonic welding is a fast joining of thermoplastic dowel-wood board assembly. • Density of wood board plays an important role in ultrasonic welding. • Dowel pulling force inversely proportional to the depth of the drilled hole. • Ultrasonic thermoplastic dowel welding is not suitable for wet wood boards. This study reports on an ultrasonic welding application for the assembly of a thermoplastic dowel and a wood board. Three types of medium density particleboards (MDP) and fiberboards (MDF) were used to indicate applicability of ultrasonic welding to fix a plastic wedge dowel into the wood boards: light-weight, standard, and heavy. Plastic wedge dowels made of resin nylon thermoplastic polyamide PA66 were used to compose ultrasonically welded wood boards’ joints. Ultrasonic welding is a joining technique without any additional substances, such as adhesives or solvents. It possesses local heating of only the joint area, short cycle times in the range of just a few seconds, and comparatively low cost-efficiency. During the ultrasonic consolidation process, energy generated from an ultrasonic transducer is transferred to the joint components (dowel – wood board) in the form of ultrasonic oscillation. The quality of the welded joint is mainly influenced by the density of the wood board, the quality of wood particles bonding, the depth and diameter of the drilled hole. The size of the contact area of the drilled hole (hole geometry, density and the size of hole walls) is also very important because the molten thermoplastic requires enough space to penetrate and settle to form a solid assembly.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF PARTICLE BOARDS BASED ON PALM OIL PALM EMPTY FRUITS AND BAMBOO POWDER WITH A MIXED ADHESIVE OF GAMBIR AND UREA FORMALDEHYDE

This test was carried out to reduce waste in coconut empty fruit bunches and to determine the characteristics and microstructure of the particle board surface. The samples used consisted of bamboo powder and oil palm empty fruit bunches with gambier adhesive and urea formaldehyde with variations including: 10%:75%:15%:11%; 20%:65%:15%:11%, 30%:55%:15%:11%, 40%:45%:10%:11%. The particleboard was printed and pressurized using a hot press of 16kg/cm2 for 15 minutes at a temperature of 120 oC, with a drying time of 14 days. The test parameters include: density, moisture content, thickness expansion, and microstructural analysis using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) which refers to SNI 03-2105-2006. The characterization of particleboard produced in the density test is 0.66-0.74 g/cm3, the water content value is 2.4-6.9%, the thickness expansion value is 7.2-12%. Based on the percentage value of the density of the resulting particleboard is a medium density particleboard.

Introducing environmental decision-making criteria to foster Green Public Procurement in Peru.

Governments in the Global South have recently started to align their public procurement regulations considering Green Public Procurement (GPP) guidelines to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12. In this context, it is important to establish environmental criteria to help decision making after analyzing the variety of options available in the market. Thus, using as examples two of the most acquired products in public procurement in Peru: Medium-density particleboard melamine furniture and paper offset, the aim of this paper is to determine the main environmental hotspots and therefore show the path to foster GPP in Peru. To achieve this goal, a Life Cycle Assessment was carried out considering it is a suitable environmental management tool to quantify environmental impacts. For this, a set of scenarios were modeled and compared for each of the two products selected, covering different geographical and technological options that are currently purchased by the Peruvian government. Results demonstrated that it is possible to attain considerable reductions in the environmental impact of the products analyzed if the main critical stages throughout their life cycle are identified and adequate solutions are applied to avoid burden shifting. Moreover, we argue that it is important for developing countries to carry out case-specific life-cycle inventories as they provide higher-quality information based on the particular characteristics of regional or local industries, allowing the determination of more realistic environmental impact mitigation benchmarks. Nevertheless, the inclusion of lifecycle-based criteria in GPP must be performed cautiously, avoiding command and control regulations, as numerous challenges remain in terms of capacity building, environmental awareness, and environmental information, and transparency in emerging and developing economies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1206-1220. © 2021 SETAC.

MEDIUM DENSITY PARTICLEBOARD USING POSTHARVEST SUGARCANE LEAF STRAW: EFFECT OF RESIN TYPE AND CONTENT, DENSITY AND LAYERS ARRANGEMENT

Medium Density Particleboard (MDP) using sugarcane leaf straw (SLS) particles, a byproduct of the sugarcane harvesting, bonded with synthetic resins (urea-formaldehyde-UF and phenol-formaldehyde-PF) was produced and evaluated. Panels were tested for physical and mechanical properties, according to Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 14810-2 (2018). Variables of two types of resin, two resin contents, two arrangements of board layers and two board densities were analyzed in 12 treatments experimental design. The results grade the panels as Type 2, according to specifications of the Brazilian standard, for internal/dry use. They are also graded as classes M1 and M2 of the ANSI A208.1 (2016) standards for use as industrial MDP. Board density varied from 0.569 to 0.749 g/cm³. Generally, properties improved with the increase of resin content and density. Among the panels bonded with UF the best result was presented with single layer, 12% solids and density of 0.75 g/cm³. Panels glued with 12% PF showed best results of resistance and improved dimensional stability. As an exploratory study, the results are promising and further work is needed to assure the technical use of this agricultural waste, which is usually burned and seen as an environmental burden.