Dimensional stability of MDF panels produced from fibres treated with maleated polypropylene wax

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) was produced from fibres treated with maleated polypropylene wax. The objectives of this study were to improve the dimensional stability of MDF panels by this treatment; to observe the maleated polypropylene wax distribution within the MDF panels using conventional fluorescence microscopy; and to determine the effects of the treatment on the mechanical properties and vertical density profile of the panels. MDF panels were produced from two resin types (urea-formaldehyde and melamine-urea-formaldehyde) and three maleated polypropylene wax contents (0, 3 and 5%). Photomicrographs show that maleated polypropylene wax forms agglomerates within the MDF panels which is an evidence of its poor distribution in our experimental conditions. Our results show an important reduction on thickness swelling and water absorption after water soaking for panels produced from treated fibres. Linear expansion and contraction in adsorption and desorption conditions between 80 and 50% relative humidity increased following fibre treatment. However, thickness swelling and shrinkage in similar conditions showed an important reduction following fibre treatment. The fibre treatment did not have negative effects on the mechanical properties or the vertical density profile of MDF panels. The modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity in bending were increased by the treatment independently of maleated polypropylene wax content. The internal bond strength increased following the addition of 5% maleated polypropylene wax content.     

Technological properties and fire performance of medium density fibreboard (MDF) treated with selected polyphosphate-based fire retardants

ABSTRACT

The objective of the work was to evaluate the efficacy of two new polyphosphate-based fire retardants (FRs) and one commercial product named Siriono^® on the fire performance and physical–mechanical properties of medium density fibreboard (MDF) fabricated in the laboratory from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood. The fibres were treated with aqueous solutions of fire retardants, at 12% loading (dry salt on dry wood), and bonded with a melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) adhesive. The physical and mechanical properties of panels were assessed using the European standards, whereas their fire performance was evaluated using an in-house method and the Cone calorimeter. In overall, the chemicals added enhanced the fire and smoke properties of the panels to varying degrees. Critical FR parameters such as peak heat release rate (peak HRR), total heat release (THR) and total smoke production (TSP) were significantly improved in the FR-treated panels, as exhibited in cone calorimeter tests. However, the internal bond strength of treated panels largely decreased by the addition of fire retardants, while thickness swell and water absorption negatively affected to a significant extent. In contrast, the formaldehyde release of the panels was considerably decreased at the E1 class level, with the incorporation of the polyphosphate-based additives.     

Oleothermal modification of fir wood with a combination of soybean oil and maleic anhydride and its effects on physico-mechanical properties of treated wood

This research work aimed at studying the effects of oleothermal modification of fir wood by using combined soybean oil with maleic anhydride (OHT–MA) to achieve lower treatment temperatures and enhance physico-mechanical properties. Wood blocks were oleothermally treated with soybean oil and OHT–MA at five different treatment temperatures (100, 120, 140, 160 and 180 °C) for three different holding times (30, 60 and 180 min). Afterward, physical and mechanical properties of the treated samples were determined, i.e., density, water absorption and volumetric swelling as the physical properties and bending strength, compression parallel to grain and impact load resistance as the mechanical properties. Results revealed increases in densities and reduction in water absorption as well as volumetric swelling of all treated samples. The mechanical properties were affected by OHT–MA treatment at different temperatures. Bending modulus of elasticity as well as compression parallel to grain was increased due to OHT–MA treatment. In addition, there was less reduction in impact load resistance of the treated samples. It was revealed that the OHT–MA enhanced wood properties at low treatment temperatures as well as shorter holding times.     

Chemical characteristics of woods from several Chilean native forest species and their relationship with nanomechanical cell properties

The objective of this research was to study the chemical and nanomechanical characteristics of native woods grown in southern Chile region. The species analysed were Drimys winteri, Laureliopsis philippiana, Aextoxicon puctatum, Nothofagus alpina, Nothofagus dombeyi, Laurelia sempervirens, Austrocedrus chilensis and Fitzroya cupressoides. The samples were collected from the regions of Biobío (37° S, 73° W), Araucanía (37° S, 71° W) and Los Lagos (40° S, 73° W). Chemical analysis reported that glucan content of native woods was between 39% and 44% and lignin content between 28% and 35%. The nanomechanical properties analysed in the secondary cell wall (S2 layer) and middle lamella (ML) were elastic modulus (E), hardness (H) and ductility ratio (E/H). Values for E_S2 were between 12.0 and 15.4 GPa and for E_ML between 4.3 and 6.6 GPa. Hardness values were similar in ML and S2 (≈0.3 GPa). The compilation of results showed high correlations between E_S2 and carbohydrate content (r = 0.80), between E_S2 and hemicellulose content (r = 0.89), and between H_S2 and lignin content (r = 0.88).