Resin Consumption Research Articles

A study of the influence of press parameters on particleboards’ performance

Nowadays, wood-based panel producers intend to lower costs by decreasing the pressing time and reducing resin consumption. Therefore, the aim of this work is to understand the influence of the pressing operating conditions (pressing time and pressing program) on the performance of particleboards (PBs) bonded with a UF resin (alkaline–acid process). For this purpose, several trials were carried out using a computer-controlled laboratory scale hot-press with a press cycle simulating a continuous press and a fixed position laboratory scale hot-press, varying the venting, the total pressing time ( 90 s) and the gluing factor (resin content—4, 5 and 6 mg resin solids/g oven dry wood). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed in order to evaluate the significance level of the effects of these parameters on PB’s physico-mechanical properties and formaldehyde content. The main results of the study were: to decrease formaldehyde content, resin content (RC) should be increased for pressing times higher or equal to 90 s or decreased for pressing times lower than 90 s; to increase internal bond, RC must be increased for pressing times equal or higher than 90 s, or decreased for pressing times lower than 90 s.

Fast Fabrication of Localized Porous Alumina Patterns with 3D Printed Microdroplet Cell

A multicapillary 3D printed solution flow type microdroplet cell (Sf-MDC) is proposed for high-throughput local anodizing. The optimally designed 3D printed Sf-MDC offers low resin consumption, shorter fabrication time and increased throughput. The Sf-MDC consists of three solution inlets separately connected with inner capillaries, a common solution outlet for removing the excess solution from outer capillaries and a two-electrode system with a common Pt counter electrode. Three major acidic electrolytes, i.e. 0.3 M H2SO4, 0.22 M (COOH)2 and 0.1 M H3PO4 are used for simultaneous local anodizing. The simultaneously anodized lines exhibit uniform length, width and porous structure for each anodizing solution. Relationship between anodized line width, diameter of capillaries, inlet flow rate and vacuum pressure is studied. By varying the concentration of (COOH)2 electrolyte inside each inner capillary, three porous alumina membranes with different oxide thicknesses and pore diameters are simultaneously fabricated. The microcell showed good reproducibility and can be applied for fast fabrication of porous alumina filters and electronic components.

Some advantages of three-layer medium-density fibreboard as compared to the traditional single-layer one

The aim of the study was to develop three-layer medium-density fibreboard (MDF) manufacture by adding the coarse fibres in the middle layer, like three-layer particleboard. The liquid urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin was reduced from 10.5 to 6.5 wt% in the middle layer of the MDFs. The UF resin content was kept constant at 10 wt% in the surface layers of all the MDFs. Moreover, the average density of MDFs was decreased from 730 to 650 kg/m3. The internal bond strength of three-layer MDFs decreased with decreasing UF resin content (10.5 to 8.5 wt%) in the middle layer. However, the decreases in the internal bond strength were statistically not significant. The internal bond strength values of the MDFs having density between 730 and 675 kg/m3 did not show significant differences. The cost savings of the resin were 20% when the amount of resin was reduced from 10.5 to 8.5 wt%. Three-layer MDFs had lower resin consumption at lower densities over traditional single-layer MDFs produced in the same plant with the same material components without decreasing their technological properties. In conclusion, it can be said that three-layer MDF could be produced at a lower cost than traditional single-layer MDF.

INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF POLYMERIC FOAM MATERIALS REINFORCED BY OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES (OPEFB) FIBERS DUE TO STATIC AND DYNAMIC LOADS

Polymeric composite foam with EFB fiber reinforced is new material that can be utilized as an alternative engineering material. EFB fiber utilization becomes the center of subject in this research. Moreover, these composites are unique with the presence of cavities (foam) in the matrix of unsaturated polyester resin. It results a decrease in density of the material that formed, and obtain a thermoset polymer composite material lighter than any else similar type. The objective of this study is to obtain the best manufacturing techniques of composite material, the mechanical behavior of these materials due to tensile static loading and high strain rate impact, and the distribution of foam that occur in the material that formed as a result of blowing agent (BA) from the type of polyurethane (PU). In this research, the sample formed into standard specimen of testing, such as ASTM D638 for static tensile test, and impact test specimen. Mechanical’s behaviors that are obtained in this research are density, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity (E), the incident stress, and dynamic modulus of elasticity of the material. For static testing was performed according to standard ASTM D638 tensile and impact test using the Kolsky’s method. To know the distribution of foam that occur in the material, were observed using Scanning Electron Microscope instrument (SEM). To determine the stress distribution in this material, then conducted a computer simulation using Ansys. The best result obtained by the composition of this material based on material composition, which resin consumption can be reduced by the presence of BA as well as mechanical strength, good enough for molding. The best composition in this study will be used in subsequent studies, namely the design and manufacture of traffic cones from this material.

Analysis of properties of epoxy compositions that operate in contact with water and oil products

We modified epoxy resin-based polymer solutions to increase durability in aggressive environments and to reduce costs. We achieved the objective via filling them with the multifractional mineral frame and modification with zeolite and furfural. We varied a content of furfural, a total content of the mineral frame and a proportion of individual components in the frame. The investigated compositions should work under conditions of influence of mixtures of water with oil products and other agents (in elements of structures for the transport service). We determined properties of compositions after exposure separately in air, in water and in two types of oil. We applied an iterative procedure of random scanning of fields of material properties in five coordinates of varying factors in search for optimal compositions. We studied property fields using experimental statistical models obtained in field experiments. ES models serve to implement calculation experiments using the Monte Carlo method. We confirmed the possibility for determining the optimal (by the set of criteria) multicomponent polymer compositions for different operating conditions using an iterative procedure of random scanning of property fields. We obtained compositions for repair and protection of structures, which are in contact with water: paste (reduced viscosity composition without sand) and solution (with reduced epoxy resin consumption). We used compositions that ensure the preservation of the required properties of a protective solution after prolonged exposure to mixtures of water with oil products in the complete overhaul of railway crossing flooring

Optical measurement of local permeability of flax fiber fabrics before liquid composite molding

Tracking the variability of natural fiber-based fabrics properties, such as local areal weight, fiber volume fraction, and therefore permeability, is crucial to optimize the parts processing of the bio-composites. This paper aims at developing a cost-effective and efficient optical method in order to predict the permeability of flax fabrics used in liquid composite molding processes. This method using an LCD monitor as light source and a reflex camera as a measurement device is based on light transmission measurement through fabric thickness. The raw data given by the camera are gray scale maps, transformed into areal weight maps. FEM software based on levelset method is finally used to highlight the influence of the local variability of the fiber volume fraction, and of the related fabrics porosity and permeability on the mold filling time. The proposed method can be directly implemented on the manufacturing line of the composites. It can be used to optimize, part-to-part, the resin consumption by predicting the resin flow through perform. Interestingly, this novel optical method is auto-calibrated and does not depend on picture resolution.

Numerical study on filling process in progressive compression method

A modified vacuum infusion (VI) process, which we refer to as the progressive compression method (PCM), has been proposed to reduce the filling process. In PCM, the bag is divided into several segments. During infusion, all segmented bags are pulled upward by the vacuum. Resin is easily infused into the loose preform. Once enough volume of resin is infused, the vacuum on the segmented bags is released in a step-wise manner. The atmospheric pressure is progressively applied on the segmented bags that are inflated to squeeze the surplus resin from the wetted preform through the dry preform. The flow enhancement is achieved since the dry preform remains loose during the filling process. Once the preform is fully saturated, the post-filling stage is performed for achieving the uniform thickness of the part. In the present study, seven cases is utilized to investigate the effect of three key process variables, including the number of the compression segment, initiating timing of the next segmented compression and volume of infused resin, on the complete filling process. Numerical results show that the multi-segment compression and appropriately premature initiation of the next segmented compression can reduce the filling process; whereas, the excess infused resin can significantly increase the total filling time due to the very slow post-filling stage. Compared with the traditional VI process, PCM at the optimal case reduces the filling time by 10.15% with the same resin consumption as VI.

Life cycle assessment of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) manufacturing process in Brazil

Brazil is one of the largest producers of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) in the world, and also the MDF has the highest domestic consumption and production rate in the country. MDF applications are highlighted into residential and commercial furniture design and also a wide participation in the building sector. This study aimed to propose ways of improving the environmental cradle-to-gate life-cycle of one cubic meter MDF panel by means of a life-cycle assessment (LCA) study. Complying with requirements of ISO 14040 and 14,044 standards, different MDF manufacturing scenarios were modelled using Umberto® v.5.6 software and the Ecoinvent v.2.2 life-cycle inventory (LCI) database for the Brazilian context. Environmental and human health impacts were assessed by using the CML (2001) and USEtox (2008) methods. The evaluated impact categories were: acidification, global warming, ozone layer depletion, abiotic resource depletion, photochemical formation of tropospheric ozone, ecotoxicity, eutrophication and human toxicity. Results identified the following hotspots: gas consumption at the thermal plant, urea-formaldehyde resin, power consumption, wood chip consumption and wood chip transportation to the plant. The improvement scenario proposals comprised the following actions: eliminate natural gas consumption at the thermal plant, reduce electrical power consumption, reduce or replace urea-formaldehyde resin consumption, reduce wood consumption and minimize the distance to wood chip suppliers. The proposed actions were analysed to verify the influence of each action on the set of impact categories. Among the results, it can be noted that a joint action of the proposed improvements can result in a total reduction of up to 38.5% of impacts to OD, 34.4% to AD, 31.2% to ET, and 30.4% to HT. Finally, MDF was compared with particleboard production in Brazil, and additional opportunities to improve the MDF environmental profile were identified.

O39: Death by self-mutilation after cannabis consumption in a patient with cortical dysplasia

Aims The use of cannabis has been linked to an increased risk for acute psychosis, especially delirious episodes or schizophrenicspectrum disorders. Self-mutilation and dissociative disorders are rare (Bergua A et al. Ophthalmologica 2002;216:269–71). On the contrary, according to some authors, cannabis resin consumption would reduce these disorders (Passie T et al. Drug Test Anal. 2012;4:649-59). We report on original case of death by automutilation in a patient with cortical dysplasia following consumption of a highly concentrated resin cannabis. Case report Mr. B., 36 years-old, presents on the public roads a major state of agitation with self-mutilation and bilateral enucleation. Despite the intervention of emergency services, he impales on the fence and dies in an array of cataclysmic hemorrhage. According to statements of two witnesses who have spent the day with the victim, he would have presented a state of major agitation after spending few minutes in his apartment. They also indicate that the victim was a regular cannabis user and had presented unlabeled psychiatric disorders few years earlier. Four fragments of a brown substance resembling cannabis resin were seized at the home of the victim. Methods The autopsy was performed 12 hours later. Toxicological samples (cardiac blood, peripheral blood, pleural fluid, gastric content, vitreous humor and hair) were taken. Blood screening for major drugs and narcotics was done by LC-MS/MS. Dosages of amphetamines, opiates and cocaine were done by GC-MS, quantification of cannabinoids by GC-MS/MS. Identification and dosage of hallucinogens, new synthetic drugs, and synthetic cannabinoids were performed by LC-MS and LC-MS/MS. The composition of the four brown fragments seized at the home of the victim was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID. A pathological expertise was also performed. Results Toxicological analysis of the biological fluids and hair revealed the presence of different markers of cannabis consumption: THC 11-OH-THC THC-COOH Cannabinol Cannabidiol Cardiac blood (ng/mL) 25 3.2 13 0.6 0.3 Femoral blood (ng/mL) 13.5 4.1 14.7 1.3 0.7 Gastric content (ng/mL) 868 0.8 26 – 22 Hair (1,5 cm) (pg/mg) 137 1 ns* 9 94 These results indicate a recent cannabis consumption and the high gastric concentrations are in favor of an orally absorption. Hair analysis confirms regular consumption. A postmortem redistribution between the blood compartments can be observed. The analysis of fragments (F1 to F4) confirmed that it was cannabis resin with following composition (%): THC Cannabinol Cannabidiol F1- F3 31.1 5.5 1 F2 34.8 6 1.1 F4 35.4 6 1 The 4 pieces of cannabis resin highlights similar qualitative and quantitative composition with very high levels of active compounds. The pathological expertise reveals brain cortical dysplasia and lung lesions alveolitis type with pigmented macrophages related to regular toxic inhalation. Discussion and conclusion cortical dysplasia induces seizures and hallucinations. In this particular case, the absorption of a large dose of an highly concentrated cannabis extract may have caused hallucinations and dissociative disorders.

Manufacturing of LVL using cost-effective resin impregnation and layup technologies

The purpose of this study was to develop a cost-effective method to manufacture high-performance laminated veneer lumber (LVL) from mountain pine beetle (MPB)-affected veneers through partial resin impregnation and optimum board layup. Dry MPB-affected veneer sheets were segregated into two stress grades based on dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE). A new phenol formaldehyde resin with a 30% solids content was formulated for resin impregnation. To reduce resin consumption, only veneer sheets used as outer layers were dipped in the resin for 5 min and then dried to manufacture 13-ply LVL. The bending properties, shear strength and dimensional stability of these LVL billets were examined and compared to those from the controls made from entirely untreated veneers. The results demonstrated that high-grade (E1) MPB-affected veneers had lower resin solids uptake than low-grade (E2) counterparts based on a 5 min dipping. Compared with the controls, the LVL billets made from resin-impregnated veneers for outer layers yielded increased surface hardness, significantly improved dimensional stability, shear strength and modulus of rupture on both edgewise and flatwise as well as better appearance with no cosmetic concerns. However, the improvement in LVL bending MOE was dependent on initial veneer stress grade. For high-grade (or density) E1 veneers, the use of impregnated veneers resulted in insignificant improvement in bending MOE. The optimum product layup was to place one ply of impregnated E1 grade veneer each for product face and back. By contrast, for low-grade (or density) E2 veneers, the use of impregnated veneers yielded a significantly higher flatwise bending MOE compared to the controls. The recommended product layup was the placement of two plies of impregnated E2 grade veneer sheets each for product face and back.

Development of a new pilot scale production of high grade oil palm plywood: Effect of pressing pressure

Nowadays, the use of waste materials such as, saw dust, rice husk, coconut coir, empty fruit brunch (EFB), oil palm mass and oil palm stem (OPS) as alternative material for wood-based industry in producing various commercial product have been extensively explored. Nevertheless, the used of OPS as raw material replacing hardwood species in plywood production has been in practice for the past 10years. However, high resin consumption and low mechanical properties in OPS plywood are still the limitation. Hence, in this study we explored the potential of a new resin treatment approach using LmwPF in order to produce high grade OPS plywood. Pilot scale production of LmwPF treated OPS plywood was assessed for properties such as, thickness swelling, water absorption, hot-press pressure, bonding integrity, density, the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). LmwPF resin treatment of OPS in plywood production indicated that with this new resin treatment method, improvement of ⩾200% in strength, ⩾259% in stiffness, dimensional stability (⩾6% thickness swelling and ⩾36% water absorption) as well as, 28% and 80% greater in dry and WBP shear, respectively as compare to the conventional method of commercial OPS plywood.

Density Distribution of Oil Palm Stem Veneer and Its Influence on Plywood Mechanical Properties

Oil Palm Stem (OPS) has been introduced as potential raw material for plywood manufacture in Malaysia. Two 25 years old OPS were selected for the study which aim to establish the veneer density distribution of the stem. The main purpose of this study is to improve the strength and to determine the optimum resin spread rate for oil palm stem plywood manufacture. The study comprised (1) the establishment of veneer density profile and (2) the effects of resin consumption and lay-up pattern on the strength and bond integrity of the plywood. The method used to determine the veneer density was a standard oven-dry method. The OPS veneer were fabricated into 5-ply plywood panels using UF (urea formaldehyde) resin adhesive. Three types of OPT veneer were classified which were 100% from outer veneer, 100% from inner veneer and mix (2-ply of outer veneer as face and Three-ply of inner veneer as core material) with four different glue spread rate (250, 300, 350 and 400 g m-2). The results show the veneer density of the OPS can be categorized into three classes: 400-500, 300-400 and 200- 300 kg m-3. The outer-layer veneers have density between 358 to 442 kg m-3, whilst the densities of the inner-layer veneer were 272 to 446 kg m-3. Segregating the oil palm veneers by density classes prior to plywood manufacture improved the strength and bond integrity of the OPS plywood greatly.

Effects of treatment with low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde resin on the surface characteristics of oil palm (Elaeis quineensis) stem veneer

Even though oil palm (Elaeis quineensis) stem (OPS) is highly potential as an alternative raw material in wood industry, it possesses some inferior characteristics. One of the critical weaknesses is a high degree of veneer surface roughness that resulted in high resin consumption during plywood manufacture. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of treatment with low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (LMWPF) resin on the wettability and surface roughness of OPS veneer. OPS veneers were segregated into two categories namely outer and inner layer veneer, prior to soaking in LMWPF resin solution to obtain weight percent gain of 16–20%. The wettability of OPS veneers was assessed with contact angle measurement according to the sessile drop method. The veneer surface roughness was evaluated by determining the average roughness (Ra), mean peak-to-valley height (Rz), and maximum roughness (Rmax) using a stylus profilometer in accordance with DIN standard 4768. The results show that the effect of LMWPF resin treatment on the surface roughness of the veneers is statistically significant. The technique used in the study was able to enhance the surface properties as well as improved the physical and mechanical properties of OPS plywood.

A Study on Radial Curtain Plybamboo Form

Plybamboo is commonly made using chordwise bamboo strips. Previous studies have indicated that the bamboo utilization rate and the processing efficiency are low in manufacturing chordwise curtain Plybamboo. This paper presents a study on the manufacturing technology of radial curtain plybamboo form. Radial strips cut from bamboo were glued on the radial faces. The results showed: (1) the bamboo utilization rate of radial cutting strips was 15-20% higher than chordwise cutting strips, and the resin consumption was only approximately 50% of chordwise bamboo strips; (2) however, radial bamboo strips were more subject to lengthwise bending deformation than chordwise strips during drying. This lengthwise bending deformation can be effectively reduced or prevented by placing a hollow rigidity axle in the radial bamboo curtain rolls when using the bound drying method; (3) the hot pressing time of the radial curtain plybamboo form was approximately 50% of the chordwise composite plastic curtain plybamboo.

Properties Enhancement of Oil Palm Plywood through Veneer Pretreatment with Low Molecular Weight Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin

One of the problems dealing with oil palm stem (OPS) plywood is the high veneer surface roughness that results in high resin consumption during the plywood manufacturing. In this study, evaluation was done on the effects of pretreatment of OPS veneers with phenol-formaldehyde resin on the bond integrity and bending strength of OPS plywood. OPS veneers were soaked in low molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde resin (LMW PF) for 20 seconds to obtain certain percentage of resin weight gain. OPS plywoods were produced using two types of lay-ups (100% outer veneer type and 100% inner veneer type) and two urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive spread amounts (200 g/m2 and 250 g/m2). The results show that pretreating the veneer with LMW PF could reduce the penetration of the adhesive into the fibres during gluing step. UF adhesive spread amount of 200 g/m2 is sufficient to produce good quality OPS plywood. The technique used in this study was able to enhance the mechanical properties of OPS plywood as well as reduce the amount of resin consumption.

Preliminary investigation of fungal bioprocessing of wheat straw for production of straw-thermoplastic composites.

Straw utilization for composites is limited by poor resin and polymer penetration, and excessive resin consumption owing to the straw cuticle, fines, and lignin-hemicellulose matrix. White-rot fungi degrade these components of straw and could, therefore, potentially be used to improve resin penetration and resin binding without the use of physical or chemical pretreatments. Although long treatment times and large footprints the limit use of fungal treatments on a large scale, distributed fungal pretreatments could alleviate land requirements. In this article, we present progress toward the development of a passive fungal straw upgrading system utilizing whiterot fungi.

Agricultural Films: Types and Applications

Many applications are covered under this category, but the most typical are greenhouse covering, low tunnel film, mulch film, soil sterilization and fumigation film, silage film, film for water reservoirs, and film for packaging and protection. Although they have their application in the agricultural industry in common, they each have particular specifications and demands depending on the effects desired; these are described in this paper. Data is also provided concerning resin consumption and market share as well as the method of manufacture that is used for agricultural films, which are primarily made from polyolefins.

Investigation into the biotechnological modification of wood and its application in the wood‐based material industry

AbstractBecause of the growing utilization of renewable raw materials, the technical use of lignocellulosic fibres from wood and other annual plant materials is becoming increasingly important. The conventional production process of fibreboards is characterized by high‐energy consumption and use of ecologically insecure synthetic lesins. Approximately 40 to 45% of the total energy expenditure are used for the thermo‐mechanical pulping. Because of high plastication temperatures, an inactive lignin crust on the fibre surface is formed. For that reason, for glueing of the fibres, urea formaldehyde and melamin resins are usually used. The costs for the resin amount to approximately 50% of the entire material costs. In addition, environmental problems are caused. The aim of our investigation is the reduction of energy and resin consumption by enzymatic modification of wood chips and the enzymatic activation of the inherent bonding strength of the material. The first industrial use of fungi for the modification of wood was in the production of “Myco wood”. Pleurothus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor were applied for nonsterile delignification of beech wood. The present investigation of the authors deals with the mycological pre‐treatment of wood chips in order to reduce the energy consumption during wood pulping. The screening results favour the brown rotter Gleophyllum trabeum for pinewood (Pinus silvestris) and the white rotter Trametes hirsuta for beech (Fagus silvatica). Both species show resistance against mould fungi. The use of submerged inoculum of these fungi has the advantage over wheat inoculum that the lag phase is less than 12 hours and that the addition of nutrients or fungicides is not necessary. Short‐time wood chip incubation results in a 40% decrease of energy consumption during thermo‐mechanical pulping and in improved fibreboard properties. Lignin reduction could not be determined by gravimetrical and x‐ray microanalysis.Comparative investigations of fibre incubation using laccase, a submerged culture of Trametes versicolor and rape straw fibres show a high increase in bending and tensile strength and an improvement in the hygroscopic properties of glue‐free fibre boards for the last two incubation kinds. Similar effects have been obtained incubating pine wood fibres for the production of fibre sheets with enzyme medium of Trichoderma reseei.

Studies on jute-reinforced composites, its limitations, and some solutions through chemical modifications of fibers

Jute, unlike other natural fibers, absorbs moisture and its moisture regain property is quite high. Water migration and subsequent degradation of jute-based composites can be a problem. Because jute is hydrophilic and the matrix resins are mostly hydrophobic, wetting of the fibers with resins is poor, for which high resin consumption may occur that would increase the cost of composites. To reduce the moisture regain property of jute fiber, it is essential to pretreat the jute fiber so that the moisture absorption is reduced and the wettability of the resin is improved. Jute fiber in the form of nonwoven jute has been pretreated with precondensate like phenol formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, cashew nut shell liquid-formaldehyde, and polymerized cashew nut shell liquid. The moisture content of the pretreated nonwoven jute has been determined by conventional methods and by a differential scanning calorimetric technique. Treatment of jute with precondensate causes the reduction of water regain property in jute. Pretreated nonwoven jute has been impregnated with phenol formaldehyde resin, and the composite board has been prepared therefrom. The jute composite board has been tested for bending strength, tensile strength, thickness swelling, and water absorption. Thermal analyses, such as differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry, have also been conducted on jute and pretreated jute fibers. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 67:1093–1100, 1998

A Possibility for On-Line Quality Control of Particleboard in the Press Area

The properties of particleboard and the economy of the production are essentially ruled by the press operation. Till now the panel thickness and panel blisters are industrially on-line detected. The strength is tested destructively with a panel, sampled per shift. Report is given on a system for on-line determination of the strength which may be developed to a controlsystem by incorporation of further measuring values (thickness, moisture content, panel blisters, resin consumption, wood consumption and other characteristics).