Oriented Strand Board Products Research Articles

Hydrolytic Stability of Sengon-Oriented Strand Board Bonded with Hybrid Phenol-Formaldehyde/Polymeric Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate Adhesives

The hydrolytic stability of oriented strand board (OSB) is critical to guarantee good performance in humid conditions over the long term. The adhesive system impacts hydrolytic stability in addition to the wood strands. This study aims to investigate the hydrolytic stability of OSB bonded with a hybrid adhesive based on phenol-formaldehyde (PF) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI) modified with NaOH and CaCO3 catalyst. PF was mixed with each catalyst at approximately 1% of the PF solids content. The pMDI was added to the mixture at 2.5% and 5% of the PF solid content. The hybrid PF/pMDI adhesives were then used for OSB production. The hydrolytic stability of OSB samples was tested at 25°C and 100°C and compared with OSB using unmodified PF as a control. After hydrolysis, OSBs with hybrid PF/pMDI adhesives had lower weight loss than control adhesives at both temperatures. The pH indicates no significant polymer dissolution from the board into the hydrolysis solution. Hybrid PF/pMDI adhesives with a CaCO3 catalyst obtain significantly lower thickness swelling values. The findings of this study have significant implications for developing high-performance, environmentally-friendly OSB products. Keywords: eco-friendly composite, hydrolytic stability, oriented strand board, Paraserianthes falcataria, phenol-formaldehyde

Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil-Based Epoxy as an Adhesive in Oriented Strand Board Production.

The objectives of this study were to utilize bio-oil-based epoxy resin in oriented strand board (OSB) production and investigate the effect of bio-oil substitution in epoxy resin as an adhesive for OSB production. Bio-oil was produced by the fast pyrolysis (FP) process using southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.). Bio-oil-based epoxy resin was synthesized by the modification of epoxy resin with FP bio-oil at various substitution levels. Acetone extraction using a Soxhlet process indicated a superior cured reaction of bio-oil and epoxy resin at 20% bio-oil substitution. FTIR spectra corroborated the Soxhlet extraction with the removal of the epoxide peak signature within the cross-linked polymer. Images from the scanning electron microscopy suggested bulk phase homogeneity. OSB panels were tested according to ASTM D1037-12. The modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength, and water resistance (thickness swell and water absorption) properties of the OSB panels were feasible at bio-oil substitution up to 30% in the epoxy resin system.

Evaluation of Balsa wood (Ochroma pyramidale) waste and OSB panels with castor oil polyurethane resin

ABSTRACT This research presents an advanced characterization of Balsa wood waste to evaluate its potential use as raw material for Oriented Strand Board (OSB) panel. For that, chemical, thermal and microstructural characterization of the Balsa wood particles were performed followed by the production and characterization of OSB agglomerated with castor oil polyurethane resin (Pu-Castor oil). The results indicated that the lignin content of the Balsa wood waste was lower than the content found in Pinus spp. wood, used in the industrial production of OSB panels, demonstrating the need for higher resin contents to ensure a perfect agglomeration of the particles. Microstructural analysis indicated that the Balsa wood presented characteristics to be used as a constituent raw material of OSB with Pu-Castor oil. The physical-mechanical characterization indicated that the material can be classified as OSB type 1 in accordance with the EN 300:2006 guidelines and is suitable for application in internal environments.

백합나무를 이용하여 제조한 3층 파티클보드와 배향성 스트랜드보드(OSB)의 물성에 관한 연구

본 연구에서는 주요 조림수종으로 선정된 백합나무를 이용하여 파티클보드(PB)와 배향성 스트랜드보드(OSB)를 제조하여 보드 원료로서의 가능성을 확인하였다. 두께 15 mm, 밀도 <TEX>$0.7g/cm^3$</TEX>의 파티클보드와 두께 10 mm, 밀도 <TEX>$0.65g/cm^3$</TEX>의 OSB를 제조하였으며, 파티클보드 공장에서 상용하고 있는 <TEX>$E_1$</TEX> 등급의 요소 폼알데하이드 수지와 왁스, 경화제를 첨가하여 실제 생산, 유통하는 보드제품과 최대한 유사하게 제작조건을 맞추었다. 제조된 보드의 품질시험 결과, PB의 경우, 평균두께 15.8 mm, 평균밀도 <TEX>$0.71g/cm^3$</TEX>, 함수율은 5.8% 기준에 적합하였다. 휨강도는 KS 규격(KS F 3104)의 13형 이상(<TEX>$13.0N/mm^2$</TEX> 이상), 박리강도는 18형 이상(<TEX>$0.3N/mm^2$</TEX> 이상), 나사못 유지력은 평면에서는 18형 이상(700 N 이상), 측면 15형 이상(300 N 이상)의 품질을 만족시켰다. 그러나 휨강도가 박리강도, 나사못유지력에 비해서 낮은 강도를 나타내는데 이것은 파티클 길이/두께의 비율(Slenderness ratio)이 영향을 미친 것으로 판단된다. OSB의 경우, 평균두께 10.7 mm, 평균밀도 <TEX>$0.68g/cm^3$</TEX>, 함수율은 6.3%로 KS F 3104 기준에 적합하였으며, 휨강도 18형 이상(<TEX>$18.0N/mm^2$</TEX> 이상), 나사못유지력 18형 이상(700 N 이상), 박리강도 13형 이상(<TEX>$0.20N/mm^2$</TEX> 이상)의 품질을 만족시켰다. This study was conducted to investigate a potential of Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) as a raw material for the manufacturing of particleboard (PB) and oriented strandboard (OSB). PB panels were prepared at the parameters of <TEX>$0.7g/cm^3$</TEX> density, 15 mm thickness, three-layer, <TEX>$E_1$</TEX> grade urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin, emulsion wax, and hardener. OSB panels were manufactured with a density of <TEX>$0.65g/cm^3$</TEX>, thickness of 10 mm, and <TEX>$E_1$</TEX> grade of UF resin. Particle size of the face layer of PB was 20~80 mesh with 7~9% moisture content (MC), while that of core-layer was 3~20 mesh with 3~5% MC, which was similar to the production condition of commercial PB. As a result, the manufactured PB panels with 15.8 mm thickness, <TEX>$0.7g/cm^3$</TEX> density, and 5.8% MC satisfied the requirement of bending strength of 15 type PB of Korean Industrial Standard (KS F 3104). Both internal bonding (IB) strength and surface screw withdrawal resistance also satisfied the requirement of 18 type PB of the standard. But, the edge screw withdrawal resistance satisfied the requirement of 15 type PB of the standard. These differences in properties could be due to the slenderness ratio of raw particles. In case of OSB panels with 10.7 mm thickness, <TEX>$0.68g/cm^3$</TEX> density, and 5.8% MC satisfied all the requirements of bending strength, screw withdrawal resistance, and IB strength of 18 type PB of the standard. These results suggest that Yellow poplar wood has a good potential as a raw material for the production of PB and OSB.

Effect of processing parameters on the quality of red oak flakes

ABSTRACTA lot of volume of red oak (Quercus rubra) is available for use in the manufacture of oriented strand board (OSB) in the Appalachian and Northeast regions of the U.S.A. However, the large amount of fines and low quality of red oak ring-cut flakes produced in industry have restricted their use in commercial OSB products. This study evaluated the effects of log pre-treatment temperature and disc flaker’s knife clearance on the quality of red oak flakes. Experimental results showed that heat treatment was the dominant factor than the flaker’s knife clearance during oak disc-cut flaking. A large amount of high quality oak flakes with acceptable geometry and minimal fines suitable for usage as face furnish on the OSB panel can be produced with a proper log heating treatment before flaking.

The Possibility of Replacing Strands in the Core Layer of Oriented Strand Board by Particles from the Stems of Rape (Brassica napus L. var. napus)

In this study, reducing the density of oriented strand board (OSB) in the core layer where strands were replaced by rape straw particles was evaluated. The use of rape particles in the core layer did not significantly affect the mechanical properties of OSB. This type of board had only slightly deteriorated properties compared with conventional OSB. However, with a decreasing density, significant changes occurred in the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) determined for the shorter axis. The lowest possible density value was determined based on statistical analysis, allowing for the production of OSB that met the requirements of EN 300 (2006) for OSB type 3. The analysis showed that panels of this type can be produced at a density of 530 kg/m3.

Oriented Strand Board: Opportunities and Potential Products in China

North America's first oriented strand board (OSB) mill was built in the early 1980's. Twenty years later, the industry was thriving, with over 50 mills producing the product. China's first OSB mill was built in 1990, and 25 years later, there are a few mills with a total capacity less than two large North America mills, most operating below capacity and struggling to identify domestic markets for the growing production. This paper briefly looks at the histories of OSB industries in North America and China, presents the current situation of China’s wood-based panels industry and its downstream industries, and identifies OSB opportunities and potential products in China. Opportunity for sheathing-grade OSB is very limited in the current Chinese market, whereas industrial opportunities for specialty OSB products to replace plywood have great potential. Those specialty products include materials for furniture, wood doors, wood flooring, container flooring, concrete form, etc. OSB producers must designate the right OSB products for the Chinese market and cost-effectively manufacture those differentiated products to meet specifications for various end-applications.

Oriented strand board: Opportunities and potential products in China

North America’s first oriented strand board (OSB) mill was built in the early 1980’s. Twenty years later, the industry was thriving, with over 50 mills producing the product. China’s first OSB mill was built in 1990, and 25 years later, there are a few mills with a total capacity less than two large North America mills, most operating below capacity and struggling to identify domestic markets for the growing production. This paper briefly looks at the histories of OSB industries in North America and China, presents the current situation of China’s wood-based panels industry and its downstream industries, and identifies OSB opportunities and potential products in China. Opportunity for sheathing-grade OSB is very limited in the current Chinese market, whereas industrial opportunities for specialty OSB products to replace plywood have great potential. Those specialty products include materials for furniture, wood doors, wood flooring, container flooring, concrete form, etc. OSB producers must designate the right OSB products for the Chinese market and cost-effectively manufacture those differentiated products to meet specifications for various end-applications.

Oriented Strand Board Production from Water-Treated Date Palm Fronds

The objective of this work was to evaluate some of the important physical and mechanical properties of experimental oriented strandboard panels manufactured from four different cultivars of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fronds. Currently date fronds are considered as waste and under-utilized. Open burning and landfill are common practices for such resources. Therefore experimental panels were manufactured from strands washed with water to determine the effect of such treatment on panel properties. Bending characteristics, internal bond strength, thickness swelling, water absorption, and linear expansion along and across the grain orientations of the samples were tested. Based on the findings in this work, the internal bond strength values of the samples were found to be satisfactory. However, the samples manufactured from water-soaked strands had lower mechanical and physical properties as compared to those made from unwashed material. Water treatment also adversely influenced dimensional stability, namely thickness swelling, water absorption, and linear expansion of the samples. It appears that untreated date palm fronds as underutilized resource show promise sustainable raw material for the manufacture of oriented strandboard panels, but further research is required to maximize their potential.

Mechanical Properties of OSB Wood Composites with Resin Derived from a Renewable Natural Resource

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is the most important development in the industry of wood products in recent years. However, mainly for reasons of cost industries use as adhesive resins that emit formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is considered a hazardous substance and its concentration indoors is restricted in many countries because of its reactivity, toxicity and pungent odor. This study aimed to attest the feasibility of production of OSB from resin with part of your component derived renewable resource (castor oil-based polyurethane) and Pinus sp. The panels were produced technically evaluated by determining their mechanical properties. In comparison to the minimum requirements of the European normative document EN 300 (2006), average values were higher than the panels for structural use in special wet environment (OSB/4) by up to 41% and 58% modulus of elasticity (MOE) and of modulus of rupture (MOR) in bending parallel to the grain, respectively. Adherence internal reached values at least three times higher than OSB/4.

Evaluating the wettability of MUF resins and pMDI on two different OSB raw materials

In this paper, the wettability of two different wood species as raw material for Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is analyzed. One species is pine, a common material for the production of OSB; the other species, poplar, and especially hybrid poplar, is newly used in OSB and might require a modified board production process compared to pine. Therefore, strands of hybrid poplar obtained from a central European poplar plantation were compared to pine strands in terms of surface characteristics and contact angles after application of the adhesives. For the contact angle measurement droplets of two types of adhesives, melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) resin and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI), were applied onto the surface of the strands. pMDI exhibited larger contact angles on poplar than on pine; but for both wood species the contact angles were low when compared to MUF. MUF values were much higher, but relatively similar numbers were measured for both wood species.

The Potential of Aspen Clonal Forestry in Alberta: Breeding Regions and Estimates of Genetic Gain from Selection

BackgroundAspen naturally grows in large, single-species, even-aged stands that regenerate clonally after fire disturbance. This offers an opportunity for an intensive clonal forestry system that closely emulates the natural life history of the species. In this paper, we assess the potential of genetic tree improvement and clonal deployment to enhance the productivity of aspen forests in Alberta. We further investigate geographic patterns of genetic variation in aspen and infer forest management strategies under uncertain future climates.Methodology/Principal FindingsGenetic variation among 242 clones from Alberta was evaluated in 13 common garden trials after 5–8 growing seasons in the field. Broad-sense heritabilities for height and diameter at breast height (DBH) ranged from 0.36 to 0.64, allowing 5–15% genetic gains in height and 9–34% genetic gains in DBH. Geographic partitioning of genetic variance revealed predominant latitudinal genetic differentiation. We further observed that northward movement of clones almost always resulted in increased growth relative to local planting material, while southward movement had a strong opposite effect.Conclusion/SignificanceAspen forests are an important natural resource in western Canada that is used for pulp and oriented strandboard production, accounting for ∼40% of the total forest harvest. Moderate to high broad-sense heritabilities in growth traits suggest good potential for a genetic tree improvement program with aspen. Significant productivity gains appear possible through clonal selection from existing trials. We propose two breeding regions for Alberta, and suggest that well-tested southern clones may be used in the northern breeding region, accounting for a general warming trend observed over the last several decades in Alberta.

Long-Term Performance of Engineered Wood Flooring with Oriented Strand Board Substrate

Plywood is widely used as a substrate in engineered wood flooring (EWF) construction. While the Canadian EWF industry largely relies on Baltic birch plywood (BBP), the development of an alternative substrate is clearly desirable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term performance of EWF made with an oriented strand board (OSB) substrate designed to deliver a higher than normal internal bond. Three-layer OSB panels were made from a mixture of 90 percent aspen (Populus tremuloides) and 10 percent paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Three adhesive configurations were used in the manufacture of specialty OSB panels: 100 percent liquid phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin, a mixture of 60 percent liquid PF resin and 40 percent powder PF resin, and 100 percent polydiphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI) resin. The performance of these three specialty OSB products was studied. Five types of substrate were used in the manufacture of EWF: BBP, sheathing OSB, and the three specialty OSBs. A polyurethane adhesive was selected to bond the surface layers to the substrates. The result of this experimental study indicated no significant difference between the long-term performance of the OSB substrate made with pMDI resin and that of the BBP substrate.

Evaluating the suitability of hybrid poplar clones for the manufacture of oriented strand boards

Abstract Clonal trees from five different plantation-grown, industrially relevant hybrid poplar genotypes of the same age, grown on a common site in British Columbia, Canada, were tested for their performance in strand production and properties of oriented strand board (OSB). The results were compared against a benchmark mill-run OSB furnish derived from native aspen (Populus tremuloides). Variation in solid wood density among the hybrid poplar clones was shown to influence the compaction ratio and densification of the OSB, which in turn led to variation in board strength properties. After accounting for specimen density using co-variate statistical models, it was apparent that there were significant effects of genotype on bonding strength and thickness swell. Lower density wood from the fastest growing P. deltoides×P. trichocarpa (DTAC 7) clone resulted in better mat compaction and higher bond strength, whereas higher density wood from a P. trichocarpa×P. deltoides (TD 50-184) clone resulted in lower compaction and bonding strength. Flexural strength (rupture and elastic moduli) and nail pull through were not as significantly affected by either board density or genotype when adjusted for density. The study clearly demonstrates that fast grown, large diameter wood of lower initial wood density from hybrid poplar is highly suited for OSB production.

WATER MOBILITY AND MOLD SUSCEPTIBILITY OF ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS

There are significant environmental benefits of understanding the water characteristics in engineered wood products related to their fungi/mold susceptibility. The primary goal of this investigation was to gain a fundamental understanding of the water characteristics in oriented strandboard (OSB) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approaches. Isotherm sorption tests were conducted on commercial OSB specimens made from different wood species and adhesive combinations. Moisture content (MC) determination, water activity (aw) measurement, and magnetic resonance relaxometry plus chemometrics analysis were performed on the OSB specimens during isotherm sorption tests. The results showed that neither MC nor aw is a reliable indicator of mold susceptibility of OSB. NMR relaxometry together with distributed exponential analysis detected that the state of water with the longest spin-spin relaxation time is responsible for the mold susceptibility of OSB. OSB made from southern pine had higher mold susceptibility than that made from aspen because the pine OSB had a third water component with very long spin-spin relaxation time (6035-7346 .s). The results suggest that a new protocol for quality control based on NMR relaxometry could be put in place in OSB production.

Life cycle inventories of roundwood production in northern Wisconsin: Inputs into an industrial forest carbon budget

Carbon budgets are developed to understand ecosystem dynamics and are increasingly being used to develop global change policy. Traditionally, forest carbon budgets have focused on the biological carbon cycle; however, it is important to include the industrial forest carbon cycle as well. The overall objective of this study was to quantify the major carbon fluxes associated with the production of Wisconsin's industrial roundwood, by using life cycle inventory (LCI) methodology to produce an industrial forest carbon budget. To achieve this objective we (1) developed carbon LCIs for the harvest process for three major forest ownerships (state, national, and private non-industrial), (2) developed carbon LCIs for a dimensional lumber and two oriented strand board (OSB) mills and (3) completed a scaled version of 1 and 2 to include more Wisconsin forestlands and to incorporate the other major processes within the industrial forest carbon cycle (e.g. primary mill, secondary mill, product use and product disposal processes of the industrial forest carbon cycle). The carbon budgets for the harvesting process of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF), the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest (NHAL), and the non-industrial private forests that participated in the managed forest laws of Wisconsin (MFL-NIPF) were 0.10, 0.18 and 0.11 tonnes C ha −1 year −1), respectively. The dimensional lumber and OSB products were both net carbon sources, and released 0.05–0.09 tonnes C/tonnes C processed). More carbon is sequestered than released within the industrial forest carbon cycle of Wisconsin's national (6 g C m −2 year −1), state (12 g C m −2 year −1) and non-industrial private forests (7 g C m −2 year −1). Using published net ecosystem production data we estimate that the net forest carbon cycle budget (sum of the biological and industrial C cycle, [Gower, S.T., 2003. Patterns and mechanisms of the forest carbon cycle. Ann. Rev. Environ. Resour. 28, 169–204]) for the CNNF ranges between −897 and 348 g C m −2 year −1. Life cycle inventories of wood and paper products should be clear and explicitly state what processes are included, so that results can be used by policy makers and future researchers.

A market assessment of the potential for OSB products in the North American office furniture and door manufacturing industries

In late 2000, a fax survey was sent to 1,867 manufacturers of wood office furniture and doors in an attempt to gauge the market potential for oriented strandboard (OSB) products in these two key industrial segments. It is hoped that this research will form the basis of marketing strategies aimed at increasing OSB use in various industrial market segments. In general, while both markets appear to be attractive for panel producers, OSB manufacturers would likely stand a better chance of market acceptance in the office furniture sector, perhaps positioning themselves as a lower-end product. This study also provides OSB manufacturers with recommendations for improving their product's market position within these highly competitive marketplaces. This may prove challenging since the degree of familiarity, acceptance, and use of OSB products among both office furniture and door manufacturers is low compared to other types of wood products. Most respondents claim that OSB products will require many technical improvements in order to successfully penetrate the industrial marketplace. That said, the most effective means of disseminating product information to industrial manufacturers about a product like OSB is through direct and personal communication tactics.

Is there potential to produce OSB in the NSW Hunter Valley?

Summary This paper presents a preliminary review of the potential to produce Oriented Strand Board (OSB) in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. An overview of the origin and world production of OSB provides a global perspective for the analysis. An analysis of the technical feasibility of producing OSB in the Hunter explores resource availability, processing technology, environmental concerns and infrastructure capacity. Domestic and export markets were reviewed to assess the potential demand for OSB produced in the Hunter. It was concluded that OSB production in the Hunter Valley of NSW is unlikely to be viable with current market prospects and technology. In the long term, developments in technology may facilitate OSB production from native forest eucalypts to take advantage of emerging niche markets in Asia.

Acute effect upon pulmonary function of low level exposure to phenol-formaldehyde-resin-coated wood.

In order to determine whether phenol-formaldehyde-resin-coated wood particles would cause an acute decline in pulmonary function, 176 workers in 2 oriented strandboard production plants were given respiratory questionnaires and pulmonary function tests before and during their work shifts. Measurements of dust and adsorbed formaldehyde were made on the same day as the pulmonary function tests. Measured formaldehyde levels were low, and measured dust levels were low to moderate. There was no evidence of an acute effect upon pulmonary function.