Prediction of oriented strand board properties from mat formation and compression operating conditions. Part 1. Horizontal density distribution and vertical density profile

A model is presented to determine the horizontal density distribution (HDD) and vertical density profile (VDP) of oriented strand board (OSB) panels produced by batch pressing. The HDD is simulated using input distributions of flake dimensions and orientation from plant measurements. Many previous HDD models rely on assumed distributions, which may not accurately characterize current manufacturing processes. The model predicts the VDP based on the compression behaviour of cellular materials in combination with temperature and moisture profiles calculated using a previously published heat and mass transport model. A novel empirical approach is applied rather than the time–temperature–moisture superposition method commonly used. The model predictions compare favourably with plant data and exhibit trends similar to previously reported experimental results. This work is the first of a two-part publication. The second part is concerned with stiffness property prediction and an optimization of the OSB manufacturing process. This work is novel in that no comprehensive model including HDD, VDP, stiffness property prediction and optimization has been reported in the literature.