Investigation of the effects of bark fiber as core material and its resin content on three-layer MDF performance by response surface methodology

The effects of using 100% black spruce (Picea mariana) bark fibers as core layer material accounting for up to 70% of the board and its resin content (between 6 and 10%) on the properties of three-layer medium-density fiberboard (MDF) were investigated using a full factorial experimental design with two independent variables and three levels. Five response variables, namely internal bond strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, thickness swelling and water absorption were statistically analyzed using a response surface methodology and two-way analysis of variance. The effects of the proportion of core layer (bark fibers) and its resin content on panel properties were significant. All properties studied were positively affected by increasing core layer resin content. The effects of the proportion of core layer (bark fibers) on mechanical properties and water absorption were negative, but positive on thickness swelling. Simultaneous optimization of panel properties indicated that at a density of 850 kg/m³, a three-layer MDF with a core layer resin content of 6.5%, a face resin content of 12 and 60% of core layer proportion (spruce bark fibers) would satisfy the minimum requirements of ANSI standard for 130-grade MDF. Overall, black spruce bark, a major residue source in the Eastern Canada, should be considered as a supplemental furnish for the core layer materials of a three-layer MDF.     

表面型电磁屏蔽木基复合材料的制备及性能

选用镀镍布和粗化铜箔,制备具有电磁屏蔽功能的复合人造板。根据接合面的特点,分别选用聚醋酸乙烯乳液和环氧树脂,将镀镍布和粗化铜箔胶贴于人造板表面。性能检测结果表明,所制得的复合人造板的力学性能比人造板基材增强,镀镍布复合板的电磁屏蔽效能约60dB,铜箔复合板大于70dB,可满足屏蔽室建造用材的要求。     

Application of cure-accelerated phenol-formaldehyde (PF) adhesives for three-layer medium density fiberboard (MDF) manufacture

 This study was conducted to optimize hot pressing time and adhesive content for the manufacture of three-layer medium density fiberboard (MDF) through the cure acceleration of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) adhesives by adding three carbonates (propylene carbonate, sodium carbonate, and potassium carbonate) in the core layer. Carbonate type, carbonate level, PF resin content, and hot pressing time were evaluated on the basis of the performance of MDF panels prepared. The application of cure-accelerated PF adhesives by the addition of propylene carbonate reduced both PF resin content and total hot pressing time by 38% and 29%, respectively, for the manufacture of quality three-layer MDF panels (19.1 mm thickness) under the hot-pressing temperature of 205 °C. The optimum concentration of propylene carbonate for cure acceleration of PF resin was found to be 3 wt% by weight based on the resin solids. Bending properties, on one hand, were independent of carbonate type and level, and complied with the minimum requirements by ANSI. Internal bond (IB) strength, on the other hand, was closely related with carbonate types and level used. Received 13 March 1999     

Utilization of pine (Pinus pinea L.) cone in manufacture of wood based composite

Physical and mechanical properties of medium density fiberboards (MDF) made from various mixtures of wood fibers and stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) cones were evaluated using European standards. MDF panels were manufactured using standardized procedures that simulated industrial production at the laboratory. Six panel types were made from mixtures of wood fiber/cone flour, 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50 percents, respectively. Addition of the cone flour into the MDF significantly reduced formaldehyde emission from the panel. In addition, the addition of 10% cone flour also improved water resistance of the MDF panels made using urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin. However, further addition of the cone flour into the panel negatively influenced their water resistance. Flexural properties and internal bond strength decreased with the increase of cone flour content in the panel. The UF resin is the main source of formaldehyde emission from the UF-bonded wood-based panels. Depending on addition of the cone flour in the panels, the formaldehyde emission values ranged from 2.6% to 55.3% lower than the panels made from 100% wood fiber. Based on the findings obtained from this study, pine cone can be used as a renewable biological formaldehyde catcher as an alternative to the traditional formaldehyde catchers for E1 Class MDF manufacture.     

利用木质剩余物与废纸制备纸浆模塑材料的比较

对三种缓冲材料及利用木质剩余物一次纤维和废纸再生纤维制备纸浆模塑材料工艺过程进行对比。并利用扫描电镜观察热压干燥和真空干燥成型时,木质剩余物一次纤维与废纸再生纤维纤维形态结构的变化。结果表明：木质剩余物一次纤维纤维长度、宽度较废纸再生纤维得均匀,废纸再生纤维纤维表面有所损伤,纤维间的空隙增加,会导致与纤维间结合力有关的抗张强度、耐破强度和耐折强度等物理性能地下降。在生产实践中,要根据包装物的具体情况,选择合适的纸浆模塑原材料。     

Characteristics of nitrogen-enriched activated carbon prepared from waste medium density fiberboard by potassium hydroxide

Most waste of medium density fiberboard (MDF) is burnt, which could release toxic gases and pollutants to the environment. So, the re-using waste of MDF is highly desired. The nitrogen atoms of waste medium density fiberboard originate from urea–formaldehyde resin adhesive used in the manufacturing process, so nitrogen-enriched activated carbons could prepared easily. Nitrogen-enriched activated carbons were prepared from waste MDF by potassium hydroxide. The activation temperature was ranged from 600 to 900 °C, and the chemical agent/waste MDF varied from 1 to 5. Iodine number was used to evaluate the adsorption ability of waste MDF activated carbons. The pore properties including surface area, pore volume and pore size distribution were determined by N₂ adsorption. The method of elemental analysis and XPS were used to estimate how nitrogen functional groups changed with different activation conditions. The results showed that the adsorption of iodine number of activated carbons was ranged from 661 to 1350 mg/g. The surface area of waste MDF activated carbons was different from 941 to 1876 m²/g and total pore volume was from 0.455 to 0.949 cm³/g. The pore size distribution indicated that waste MDF activated carbons included both micropores and mesopores, and the analysis of element implied that the contents of nitrogen varied from 0.41 to 2.31 %.     

Effect of thermo-mechanical refining on properties of MDF made from black spruce bark

The effects of thermo-mechanical refining conditions on the properties of medium density fiberboard (MDF) made from black spruce (Picea mariana) bark were evaluated. The bark chips were refined in the MDF pilot plant of Forintek Canada Corporation under nine different refining conditions in which preheating retention time was adjusted from 3 to 5 to 7 min and steam pressure was set at either 0.6, 0.9 or 1.2 MPa. The resulting bark fibers were blended with 12% UF resin (based on oven-dry fiber weight) using a mechanical blender. The resinated fibers were manually formed into fiber mats and hot-pressed into MDF panels using consistent parameters. Two panels for each refining condition were produced, resulting in a total of 18 panels. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the significance of factors. Regression coefficients and 3D contour plots were used to quantify the relationship between panel properties and the two test factors. The results from this study indicated that the preheating retention time was a significant factor for both modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE), the steam pressure was a significant factor for internal bond strength (IB), MOR and MOE, whereas both factors were insignificant for thickness swelling, water absorption and linear expansion. The properties of MDF panels were quadratic functions of retention time and steam pressure. Compared to the ANSI standard for 120-grade MDF, most panels with a nominal density of 950 kg/m³ had very high IB (>1 MPa) and acceptable MOR, MOE and dimension stabilities. These results suggest that black spruce bark residues can be considered as a potentially suitable raw material for manufacturing MDF products.     

The ambient aging of wood fiber and its effect on mechanical properties of MDF panels

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study ambient-aged wood fibers and their effects on the mechanical properties of medium-density fiberboard (MDF). It was found that MDF made with ambient-aged fibers had poorer mechanical properties than MDF made with fresh fibers; this difference resulted from the alterations of surface characteristics of wood fibers after ambient aging, which led to poor wettability of the urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin applied to the aged wood fibers. After 6 months of ambient aging, the concentration of carbonyl groups in the fibers increased by 144%, while the pH value of wood fiber decreased from 5.2 to 4.7. SEM showed that much more UF resin agglomerated on the surface of ambient-aged fibers and the breakage of MDF made with aged fiber frequently occurred at the resin-fiber interfaces, indicated the poorer wettability of UF resin to fibers due to the decrease in surface energy after aging.     

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.     

中国废旧木材资源与再生纤维利用概况

为有效提升资源的综合利用能力,必须全面加强再生资源的综合利用效能。经过科研人员不断的技术探索,在废旧木材资源与再生纤维加工上实现了较大突破,很多技术也已实现了商业成果转换。介绍了废旧木材资源再生渠道,分析了再生纤维素纤维利用概况,在此基础上,对再生纤维利用发展趋势进行了展望。     

Characterisation of the bending stiffness components of MDF panels from full-field slope measurements

This paper deals with the characterisation of bending stiffness components of medium density fibreboard (MDF) by carrying out a single plate bending test. The approach couples full-field slope measurements with an inverse identification method. MDF panels manufactured with different fractions of Eucalyptus fibres and sugarcane bagasse particles were used. The slope maps generated across the plate surface were measured by the deflectometry technique. The curvature fields of the deformed plate were reconstructed by numerical differentiation afterwards. The virtual fields method was then implemented for material parameter identification under the framework of Kirchhoff–Love plate bending theory. The elastic properties obtained from the proposed data reduction (i.e. simultaneous identification of modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio and shear modulus) were compared with values determined from classical three-point bending tests and reported in the literature. The set of properties were found in relatively good agreement.     

Preparation of board-like moldings from composites of isolated lignins and waste paper II: effect of inorganic salt addition on board performance and evaluation of practical use of MDF

Board-shaped composites with medium density (MDF) were prepared from isolated lignins and waste newspaper, in addition to preparation of the composites with high density (HB). The board properties of both composites concerning bending strength and water resistance were improved by the addition of hardwood acetic acid lignin (HAL). The internal bond strength and water resistance of MDF, in particular the degree of thickness swelling (TS), were also improved by prolonged molding time. Adding inorganic salts contributed to the improvement of TS. The effect depended on the charge of the cation. Considering practical utilization of lignin-based MDF as a structural material, its performance was evaluated by combination of the single-shear test of nailed joints and the modulus of rigidity. As a result, this MDF had sufficient strength to be utilized as an internal shear wall material. Therefore, lignin can be considered as an alternative to conventional adhesives for the production of boards such as HB and MDF.     

聚丙烯比例对木塑复合材料性能的影响

通过正交试验,以木材纤维和废旧聚丙烯塑料为原料,异氰酸酯或马来酸酐作偶联剂,压制木材纤维/聚丙烯复合材料,研究聚丙烯(简称PP)用量对木塑复合材料性能的影响。结果表明,聚丙烯比例对复合材料的内结合强度、吸水厚度膨胀率、静曲强度和弹性模量有不同的影响。在热压时间、热压温度、复合材料密度相同的条件下,用异氰酸酯(简称MDI)作偶联剂,聚丙烯用量40%时复合材料的性能最佳;而用马来酸酐(简称MA)作偶联剂,聚丙烯用量50%时复合材料的性能最佳。     

聚丙烯比例对木塑复合材料性能的影响

以木材纤维和废旧聚丙烯塑料为原料,异氰酸酯(MDI)或马来酸酐(MA)为偶联剂,压制木材纤维/聚丙烯复合材料;通过正交试验,研究聚丙烯(PP)用量对木塑复合材料性能的影响.结果表明:PP比例对复合材料的内结合强度、吸水厚度膨胀率、静曲强度和弹性模量有不同程度的影响.在热压时间、热压温度、复合材料密度相同的条件下,在用MDI做偶联剂,PP用量为40%时,复合材料的性能最佳;在用MA做偶联剂,PP用量为50%时,复合材料的性能最佳.     

Medium-density fiberboard performance as affected by wood fiber acidity, bulk density, and size distribution

The properties of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels as affected by wood fiber characteristics were investigated. Wood chips from three softwood and one hardwood species were refined under the same refining conditions to make four different types of fibers. The resulting fibers were characterized by fiber size distribution, bulk density, pH value, and buffering capacity. Using the same resin system and hot-pressing parameters, MDF panels were produced and evaluated for internal bonding (IB), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), thickness swelling, and linear expansion. The pH values and alkaline buffering capacities of raw materials were reduced considerably after refining. IB was strongly related to the pH value of fibers. The mechanical properties increased with alkaline buffering capacity. IB, MOR, and MOE increased with the bulk density of fibers. Increased proportions of coarse fibers had negative effects on the panel mechanical properties.     

稻草原料酸碱性及稻草中密度纤维板的性能

测试分析了稻草原料的ｐＨ值和缓冲容量，分别使用脲醛树脂胶和异氰酸酯胶在特定工艺条件下压制了稻草中密度纤维板，并测试了板材性能。结果表明：１）稻草秸秆原料呈弱碱性，缓冲容量远高于普通木材；经热磨处理获得的稻草纤维呈弱酸性，其缓冲容量虽较稻草秸秆有一定幅度的下降，但仍高于普通木材；２）脲醛树脂或异氰酸酯稻草中密度纤维板的性能都明显优于相应的碎料板；在密度０．８０ｇ／ｃｍ３和施胶量１７％的条件下，脲醛树脂稻草中密度纤维板性能达到国标ＧＢ／Ｔ１７６５７－１９９９一等品的要求，在密度０．８０ｇ／ｃｍ３和施胶量６％的条件下，异氰酸酯稻草中密度纤维板性能达到国标ＧＭ／Ｔ１７６５７－１９９９优等品要求。     

巨尾桉木材用于中密度纤维板生产工艺适应性初探

对以巨尾桉木片为原料用于中密度纤维板生产的工艺适应性进行了探索，着重测试加入巨尾桉木片后的纤维形态、纤维松密度、纤维ｐＨ值及干燥纤维含水率，分析比较了半成品与成品板的板面质量和物理力学性能，表明在巨尾桉木片使用量不超过木片总量３０％的情况下可用于中密度纤维板生产。     

Ultrasonic treatment to improve the quality of recycled pulp fiber

The effect of ultrasound on the quality of recycled fibers was investigated. Ultrasound was applied to recycled pulp fiber suspension before ink removal by conventional flotation. The ultrasonic treatment induced an increase in the sedimentation volume of the fiber, which implies that the flexibility and bulkiness of the fiber increase. The water retention value of the ultrasonically treated fiber recovered from the loss caused by the recycling. These facts are due to a beating effect of the treatment. The paper sheets prepared from the ultrasonically treated fiber suspension showed higher sheet density, tensile strength, and brightness than that from an untreated fiber suspension. The process, which consists of ultrasonic treatment for 1 min following flotation deinking, requires about 1.4 times as much energy as the conventional flotation deinking process, but it induced 20% improvement in brightness. The results indicate that the ultrasonic treatment is effective in improving recycled fiber quality.This report was presented in part at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Shizuoka, April 1998; and at the 5th Annual Meeting of the Japan Cellulose Society, Kyoto, July 1998     

Sesbania aegyptiaca as promising biomass for manufacturing of MDF

Sesbania fiber is a fast-growing wood species that has been investigated for medium-density fiberboard (MDF) production. To assess the possibility of applying the local industrial defibration parameters of sugar-cane bagasse (SCB) on defibration of sesbania, the chemical constituents of unfibrated and defibrated sesbania, as well as their thermal stability and scanning electron micrographs, were estimated. Different preparation variables of MDF, such as density, level of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin (with 0.19% free-formaldehyde [HCHO]), and pressing time were studied, in comparison with that produced by using SCB fibers. The results showed that most of the tested sesbania-based MDFs have mechanical properties that fulfill the minimum requirements of MDF ANSI standard. Additionally, applying 12% UF and pressing for 240 sec provided sesbania-based MDF with optimum reduction in thickness swelling (reached ～7%). It is important to note that the sesbania-based MDF produced under these conditions is characterized by a lower TS property, than that obtained from SCB, or that reported in standards. The preliminary feasibility study revealed that using sesbania fibers will be an added economical potential for MDF production.     

Effects of density profile of MDF on stiffness and strength of nailed joints

Nail-head pull-through, lateral nail resistance, and single shear nailed joint tests were conducted on medium density fiberboard (MDF) with different density profiles, and the relations between the results of these tests and the density profiles of MDF were investigated. The maximum load of nail-head pull-through and the maximum load of nailed joints were little affected by the density profile. However, the ultimate strength of lateral nail resistance, the stiffness, and the yield strength of nailed joints were affected by the density profile of MDF and showed high values when the surface layer of the MDF had high density. It is known that bending performance is also influenced by density profile. Therefore, the stiffness and the yield strength of nailed joints were compared with the bending performance of MDF. The stiffness of nailed joints was positively correlated with the modulus of elasticity (MOE); in the case of CN65 nails, the initial stiffness of joints changed little in response to changes in MOE. The yield strength of nailed joints had a high positive correlation with the modulus of rupture (MOR). The stiffness and the yield strength of nailed joints showed linear relationships with MOE and MOR, respectively.