Search

In order to improve the decorative properties of Magnesium-Glass-Board (MGB), the surface morphology and decoration performance of MGB, are studied in detail by using profilometer, microscope and SEM, and the influence of its characterization, such as surface roughness, surface porosity and wettability, on decorative properties of MGB is analyzed by comparing with medium density fiberboard (MDF) and medium density particleboard (MDP). The results first showed that the surface of MGB has a porous structure, but MDF and MDP are not, resulting in a poor decorative performance of MGB. Second, it is found that the surface wettability of MGB is better than others. Third, the hot-pressing parameters including pressure, temperature and time have different influence on decorative performance of MGB during hot-pressing experiment. Finally, the surface bonding strength is positively correlated with pressure, but not with temperature and time. In general, a higher surface bonding strength led to a better decorative performance of MGB. The furthermore research can concentrate on the modification method of the MGB's surface according to this paper's conclusion to improve the lamination performance of melamine paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milling wood-based materials on CNC devices causes the creation of chips in small sizes that may escape the chip extraction zone to the surrounding environment and pollute the air. The article studied the effect of the feed rate (vf) and the width of cut (ae), transformed into kinematic average chip thickness, on the amounts of chips in respirable sizes <10.0μm created in the cutting zone from particleboards (PB) and medium-density fibreboards (MDF). The amounts of dust-sized chips are discussed and were determined by the sieving analysis. The sizes of potentially respirable chips were estimated by weighting with the laser diffraction method. The highest amounts of chips from PB were of 0.250-0.500 mm (38-41%w), but in MDF, amounts varied depending on cutting conditions. With (ae) 1 mm were in the size range of 0.125-0.250 mm (35-54%w), for (ae) 2 mm (33-35%w), and (ae) 3 mm (36-40%w) with combinations of (vf) 6-8 m·min-1. With a combination of (vf) 10 and 12 m·min-1 distribution moved to a higher size range. Chips in sizes 10.0-4.0 μm were estimated by <1%, for 4.0-2.5 μm <0.5%, in 2.5-0.1 μm <0.3%, and <0.1 μm by <0.05%. Statistically was proven (p<0.05) only in PB, with adjusted (ae) by 1 mm, increasing the value of (vf) from 6 to 12 m·min-1 and also with (vf) at 6 m·min-1, between values of (ae) 1 and 2 mm (hm of 0.025-0.035 mm), will significantly (p<0.05) lower the percentual amounts of chips in sizes 10.0-4.0 and 4.0-2.5 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the parts of furniture made of medium density fiberboards (MDF) require at least one hole to be assembled. The drilling technological parameters influence the quality of holes. Factors such as tip angle of the drill bit, feed rate, type and diameter of the drill bit, and spindle rotational speed could affect the drilling process. Therefore, the right choosing of drilling parameters is a mandatory condition to improve the drilling efficiency that is expressed through tool durability, cost, and quality of the drilling. Thus, in this work, we are proposed an approach that consists in combining two modelling techniques, which were successfully applied in various fields, namely artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM), to analyze and optimize the drilling process of MDF boards. Four artificial neural network models with a reasonable accuracy were developed to predict the analyzed responses, namely delamination factor at inlet, delamination factor at outlet, thrust force, and drilling torque. These models were used to complete the experimental design that was requested by the RSM. The optimum values of the selected factors and their influence on the drilling process of the MDF boards were revealed. A part of optimum combinations among analyzed factors could be used both during the drilling of the MDF boards and prelaminated wood particleboards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability of furniture constitutes one of the most important features taken into consideration when buying furniture. However, to evaluate furniture reliability, furniture manufacturers often rely on their own experiences and common patterns without the usage of specialized tools. The presented work aimed to develop a mathematical apparatus to be used in a specially created web application that would enable the calculation of the reliability of the selected furniture joints and whole case furniture structures. This paper describes the functionality features of the newly created web application, which could be used in the furniture industry practice providing a valuable support tool for engineering works. In this paper, the reliability calculations are presented for the examples of furniture eccentric joints and case-type furniture made of those joints. Two different materials, namely MDF and laminated three-layer particleboard, of 18 mm are considered. The achieved results confirm the higher reliability of the furniture eccentric joints made of MDF of 18 mm in comparison to the furniture eccentric joints made of particleboard of the same thickness. The calculations of reliability for the analyzed construction of furniture confirmed also that the reliability improved when the parallel reliability structure was adapted. That was the case for both the MDF and laminated three-layer particleboard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm fiber composites with aligned, continuous fibers and epoxy matrix were prepared and mechanically characterized using micromechanical models. A hydrothermal process with microwave heating was utilized to extract the date palm frond (midrib) fibers, making the process eco-friendly as opposed to the commonly reported chemical extraction method. Single fibers were then characterized and found to have an average elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength of 17.1 ± 1.5 GPa and 333 ± 27.4 MPa, respectively. Interfacial shear strengths ranging between 6 and 12 MPa were determined using a single-fiber pull-out test. Fibers were aligned to make uniaxial tensile samples with volume fraction ranging from 11% to 56%, elastic modulus ranging from 1.72 GPa to 9.52 GPa and ultimate tensile strengths ranging from 16.9 MPa to 43.8 MPa. All the results were found to obey "Rule of Mixtures" theory. The composite's mechanical properties are similar to or exceeding those of the commercially available wood products such as medium density fiberboard, oriented strand board, thick particle board, hard fiber board, and plywood, making the hydrothermal approach with microwave heating as a promising approach for preparation of date palm composites and further opens up similar process pathway for other natural fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of natural resource scarcity, environmental challenges and human health concerns, the development of alternative solutions becomes crucial to sustainable development. Sustainable and renewable protein-containing materials such as soy or canola have proved to have wood bonding properties comparable to those of synthetic binders. In addition, the availability of canola meal offers a great possibility for the development of bio-adhesives for the wood-based panel industry. Furthermore, direct utilization of canola meal helps to avoid expensive and low-yield protein isolation processes. Using three different solvent solutions (water and 1 mol and 2 mol sodium hydroxide), canola-based bio-adhesives were prepared and used for the production of medium-density fiberboards (with 10 mm thickness and 800 kg/m3 target density) and three-layer particleboards (with 15 mm thickness and 640 kg/m3 target density). The produced boards were tested for their mechanical properties and dimensional stability according to European norms. With the MDFs' bending strength values above 40 N/mm2 and internal bonding strength greater than 0.5 N/mm2, the results show that there is indeed a possibility to achieve good mechanical properties using canola meal as a binder. The use of NaOH solutions as denaturants, as well as the addition of colasol, helped improve the bonding properties of the boards by 35.49% and 64.52% for 1 mol and 2 mol NaOH solutions, respectively. The obtained results show that the developed canola-based bio-adhesive can compete with conventional ones. However, despite the good mechanical properties of the produced boards, their poor dimensional stability due to the low water resistance of natural proteins suggests further improvement for industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the performances of type of demountable connectors used as connecting elements in the frame construction furniture are compared with the forces against shear force. The test samples were prepared from melamine-coated particle board (YL-Lam) and medium density fiberboard (MDF-Lam). Four types of demountable type of connection elements are used: metal L connection, plastic T connection, metal T connection and moon connection. The experimental samples were subjected to static stress tests under the critical loads that could be affected during the use. As a result of the experiments, the highest shear force was obtained from the test specimens prepared by using MDF-Lam and metal T connectors. The lowest was determined by using YL-Lam and plastic T connector. According to the results of the experiment, in the H type construction prepared with YL-Lam, when the shear force bearing capacity of the connection element is ordered from highest to lowest, respectively; Metal T, Moon, Metal L and Plastic T connectors were determined while in the construction prepared with MDF-Lam it is ordered as Metal T, Metal L, Plastic T and Moon connectors. In this study, the load-bearing capacity of the test samples and the load-deflection graph formed under this loading are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the similarities in raw materials, technology, and application fields between fiberboard and particleboard, it is crucial to perform a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) on these two types of panels. This comparison can greatly contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of these panels. However, there is a limited number of studies available regarding the comparative LCA study of these panels. Therefore, in this study, the environmental effects of manufacturing process of dry-process fiberboard (medium-density fiberboard, MDF) and particleboard (PB) were compared. A cradle-to-gate LCA model was developed using eFootprint software. The results showed that PB exhibited better environmental performance than MDF because of the lower power consumption and the amount of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin required in the manufacturing process. The total environmental impact of PB from cradle to gate was 27.5% lower than that of MDF, and the eco-efficiency of PB was 18.8% higher than that of MDF. Regardless of the panel type, the greatest environmental effect occurred in the raw and auxiliary materials production phase, followed by the board production phase. The environmental effect of the transportation phase was minimal. The production of UF resin and the consumption of electricity were identified as the main environmental hotspots. Finally, two approaches to enhance environmental performance were proposed and applied: first, replacing UF resin with a soy-based adhesive, and second, switching from thermal power to hydropower. In addition, the environmental impacts before and after implementing these approaches were compared. [Display omitted] • Particleboard has better environmental performance than medium density fiberboard. • Urea-formaldehyde resin and electricity are the key environmental hotspots. • Soy-based adhesive doesn't outperform urea-formaldehyde resin in all impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose-based non-isocyanate polyurethanes (S-NIPU) were synthesized by the already codified reaction of sucrose, dimethyl carbonate and hexamethylene diamine and used for the first time as adhesives for bonding particleboard. To decrease the NIPU adhesive curing temperature, a silane coupling agent was used as a crosslinking promoter. The performance of particleboards prepared at a press temperature of 230 °C, 200 °C and 180 °C and a press time of 8 min, 10 min and 12 min was tested and evaluated. The structure of the oligomers obtained was detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Thermomechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were also used to analyze their behavior. The particleboards bonded with the S-NIPU adhesive at 230 °C showed excellent properties, which, however, decreased as the press time was reduced. The silane coupling agent used as a crosslinking promoter significantly reduced the curing temperature of the adhesive and allowed to obtain good bonding at a lower press temperature. The results obtained confirmed that coupling the S-NIPU adhesive with a silane used as a crosslinking promoter can yield sufficiently improved results to function as a suitable adhesive for particleboard, medium density fiberboard and other types of particulate wood panels. It was also the first time that a NIPU adhesive was used for wood bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the critical static friction coefficient (μ0) and the static friction coefficient (μ) between work-piece and rubber belt during sanding medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particle board (PB). The purpose is to provide theoretical support for improving design techniques of sanding machine and choosing appropriate rubber belts for sanding. The results indicate that μ0 is a constant that can be calculated by maximum sanding force (sFMax) and maximum normal force (nFMax). Besides, there is an exponential relationship between intensity of pressure (P) and μ when work-piece is relatively static on a rubber belt. Among all sanding parameters, git size (G) has the greatest influence on μ. In single-factor experiment, we found that the smaller the nFMax is, the greater the μ is (for same rubber belts), but the variation rates of μ and nFMax are coincident. Six types of rubber belts are adopted, and the average μ of No. 1 and No. 4 are greater than others, but average μ of all the belts are lower than μ0, so when use such six types of rubber belts, a hold-down device or vacuum chuck should be equipped on the sanding machine. Patterns of rubber belts have some impact on μ, and appropriate patterns on the surface of rubber belts contribute to higher μ.

Particleboard (PB), medium density fibreboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood (PW), the most common products of wood panel industry, are produced by means of synthetic adhesives (resins). From the wide range of adhesives employed, amino resins as combination of formaldehyde (F) and urea (U), and melamine (M) are the most important ones, which include the most popular UF and MUF resins. This review is an introduction to the UF and MUF synthesis processes, and also addresses the key parameters for the performance of these adhesives and gives an overview about the final characteristics of PB and MDF prepared with amino resins. The characterization methods for amino resins and panels are outlined. The strategies for the optimization of resin properties and pressing conditions are discussed in terms of their good performance also under conditions of low formaldehyde emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were employed as a biobased resin/adhesive. DDGS were defatted with hexane, ball ground, and screened prior to use. DDGS flour was mixed dry with Paulownia wood (PW) to make composites using the following conditions: temperature of 150 to 195 °C, PW particle sizes of ≤ 75 to 1700 µm, pressure of 2.1 to 5.6 MPa, and using DDGS dosages of 10 to 100%. Molded composites were evaluated for their flexural properties. Composites were examined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The best flexural properties were obtained from composites containing 50% DDGS and 50% PW, using 180 to 250 µm PW particles, pressed at 5.6 MPa, and employing 185 °C. Flexural properties of DDGS-PW composites were similar to composites fabricated using soybean flour (Prolia) as the resin/adhesive. Dimensional stability properties (water absorbance and thickness swelling) of DDGS-PW and Prolia-PW composites were similar. DDGSPW composite properties satisfied several European Committee Industry Standards for fiberboards in terms of flexural properties but were inferior in terms of thickness swelling properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the adhesive systems used today in the European industries of particleboard, medium density fibreboard (MDF) and oriented strand board (OSB) are discussed. The structure of particleboard, MDF and OSB markets in Europe in relation to the types of adhesives and product specifications are presented as well. It is noticeable that new markets for wood-based panels like particleboard and fibreboard, known as non-furniture markets, are growing in Europe at a fast rate. It was concluded that most of the technological changes concerning the adhesive systems applied and additives have been realised from the need for niche panel products, the obligation to reach even lower formaldehyde emissions, and the necessity to decrease production costs due to the stringent competition in the market of wood-based panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet-formed particleboard panels were made using cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) as the bonding material. The effects of panel density, CNF addition ratio, particle size, and pressing method on the nail and face screw withdrawal strength, water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS) were investigated. The nail and face screw withdrawal strength increased with an increased panel density and CNF addition ratio. Mixed-size particles were favorable for better face screw withdrawal strength. The WA decreased while TS increased with increased panel density. The WA decreased with increased CNF addition ratio. The effect of CNF addition ratio on the TS was influenced by an interaction effect of the particle size, density, and pressing method. Smaller wood particles and the constant thickness (CT) pressing method were better for both WA and TS performance. All of the high- and medium-density panels failed to satisfy the standard requirements for face screw withdrawal strength. For lowdensity panels, those manufactured with mixed-sized particles all satisfied the standard requirements; those manufactured with large particles required at least 15% CNF to meet the standard, and those manufactured with small particles required at least 20% CNF to achieve the standard requirements. None of the panels met the standard TS requirement (< 8%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radon absorption performance was determined and compared for different types of carbonized boards to establish effective carbonized boards. Moreover, the absorption mechanism of carbonized boards was investigated by specific surface area and pore size in each of the carbonized boards. The radon absorption performance was ranked in the following order: ash (87%), medium-density fiberboard (MDF, 83%), oriented strand board (OSB, 82%), particleboard (PB, 77%), and plywood (PW, 67%). The correlation between radon absorption capacity and surface area or pore volume showed that a higher surface area or pore volume had higher radon absorption performance. However, the highest surface area and pore volume was detected on carbonized MDF, which had a radon absorption performance that was 5% less than carbonized ash board. Therefore, the surface area and pore volume as well as other factors affected the absorption performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax shive and hemp hurd residues were characterized, and the feasibility of manufacturing three-layered particleboards was evaluated using 2.5% and 5% polymeric diphenyl methane diisocyanate resin loadings. The flax shive and hemp hurd residues had lower bulk densities and higher aspect ratios compared with the wood residues. Their higher aspect ratios offered greater overlap in bonding, which led to consistently higher bending properties that exceeded the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements for low-density (LD2) particleboard and, in some cases, medium-density (M2) particleboard. Because of their particle geometry, the flax shive and hemp hurd particleboards also showed minimal linear expansion with changes in the moisture content at 20 ± 3 °C and between 50% and 90% relative humidity. The high absorption capacity of the flax shive and hemp hurd residues resulted in higher thickness swell and water absorption properties than the wood residues. The results indicated that low-density flax shive and hemp hurd particleboards (500 to 620 kg/m3) can be manufactured using isocyanate resin quantities as low as 2.5% to produce panels that conform to ANSI specifications with a greater mechanical performance than that of wood residue particleboards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this work was to measure the impact of a Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma treatment (DBD) on the adhesion properties of the most common wood-based materials used in industry, namely particle boards and medium density fiberboard (MDF). Samples made of particle board and MDF were finished with melamine foil or water-based painting. Before the finishing procedure, contact angles were measured and work of adhesion values calculated. Additionally, a dynamic wettability model was used to make comparison regards to liquid penetration and spreading during the contact angle measurement. The painted work samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive x-ray (EDS) analysis to assess the depth of paint penetration. With both kinds of material (MDF and particleboard), pull-off tests were also conducted. The results demonstrated significant improvements in the wettability properties of both particleboard and MDF. However, SEM analysis showed no increase in paint penetration. Simultaneously, pull-off tests turned out unsatisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of activated carbons in powder and monolith forms, by physical activation with CO 2 , with specific surface areas between 804 and 1469 m 2 g −1 , porous volume between 0.33 and 0.59 cm 3 g −1 , with basic nature (PZC ∼ 9.6–10.6) was achieved in our lab, from medium density fibreboard (MDF) and particleboard (PB), engineered wood composites wastes. These highly porous adsorbents were applied in kinetic and equilibrium adsorption studies, in batch and dynamic modes, in powder and monolith forms, of specific adsorptives, considered pollutants, namely phenol (P), p-nitrophenol (PNP) and neutral red (NR). In batch the maximum adsorbed amount was 267, 162 and 92 mg g −1 , for PNP, P and NR, respectively. The application of different kinetic models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion model) leads to a better knowledge of the adsorption mechanisms of those adsorptives. The results obtained in the kinetic and equilibrium tests show that the combination of the structural features and the surface chemistry nature of the adsorbents, with the adsorptives properties, establish the kinetic performance, the type and amount adsorbed for each system. This work confirms the potential of these types of wastes in the production of activated carbons and its application in adsorption from liquid phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An equivalent strain method was used to analyze and determine material relaxation properties for specimens from particleboard, high density fiberboard, and medium density fiberboard. Cantilever beams were clamped and then deflected to 11 m and held for either 2 h or 3 h, while the load to maintain that deflection was measured vs. time. Plots of load relaxation for each specimen showed similar load relaxation vs. time even though there were some slight differences in the maximum load per sample. Three models were developed to fit the relaxation data. The first model was a simple log decrement. This simple log model used only one variable, the relaxation coefficient, to describe the relaxation behavior as the log of time. The log decrement model was marginal at best in modeling the relaxation data. The second and third models, however, used equivalent strain methods. The second model assumed a combined linear-elastic spring and a Kelvin-Voigt spring-dashpot model. The third model used a combination of a linear-elastic spring (linear strain) element, a Kelvin-Voigt (spring-dashpot, visco-elastic strain) element, and a dashpot (permanent strain) element for its total configuration. Both equivalent strain models provided excellent correlations for the two lengths of time used for this series. Estimated mechanical and relaxation, or creep properties, were determined from the equivalent strain method using cantilever beam equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the addition of bamboo laminas of the species Dendrocalamus giganteus to three-layer medium density particleboard (MDP). These laminas were glued onto both the top and the bottom of each panel. With the manufactured panels laminated with bamboo, mechanical tests based on the Brazilian Standard ABNT NBR 14810 were carried out to determine the modulus of rupture (MOR) in static bending and the tensile strength parallel-to-surface. These mechanical tests were realized in particleboards of eucalyptus and in reinforced particleboard, both produced in the laboratory. The modulus of rupture and tensile strength parallel-to-surface of the laminated MDP had values close to those that have been reported. The reinforcements increased the values of these studied properties. Nevertheless, this fact indicated the possibility to produce a stronger MDP using bamboo lamina as surface layers. These results show the possibility of using coatedbamboo MDP for utilization in large spans, for example, in flooring for mezzanines with finish on both sides, and for robust furniture as bookshelves, beds, tables, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proper parameters of sanding with abrasive sanding machine are significant to reduce energy consumption and to improve processing efficiency and quality. The parameters sanding speed, feed speed, and granularity have been investigated in terms of the sanding force (sF) and normal force (nF) for particle board (PB) and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). For PB, the sF and nF show decreasing trends of second power with increasing sanding speed and linear increase when feed speed increases. The sF and nF are almost constant when granularity increases from 40 to 80, but these forces show increasing trends of second power when granularity increases from 80 to 150. For MDF, the sF and nF change as trends of second power with increasing sanding speed and increase in trends of second power with increasing feed speed. The sF and nF force decrease when granularity increases from 40 to 80, but these forces present linear increasing trends when granularity increases from 80 to 150. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of panel type and panel thickness on moment resistance of L-type corner joints and deflection characteristics of four-member cabinets. Three different wood based panels, namely particleboard (PB), medium density fiberboard (MDF), and okoume (Aucoumea klaineana) plywood (PW) were utilized in two different thickness levels for constructing the four-member cabinets. All corner joints and cases were assembled with 4 x 50 mm screws without adhesive. The four member cabinets were tested under static load by supporting at three points. Furthermore, moment resistances of the same type jointed L-type corner joints were tested under static compression and tension loads. Test results indicated that the highest stiffness values were observed with 15 mm PW. This showed that 15 mm plywood could be used instead of 18 mm PW. 16 mm PB and MDF cabinets yielded higher stiffness values than those of 18 mm MDF, PW, and PB. Test results also indicated that 15 mm and 16 mm thick panels can have nearly the same stiffness as 18 mm thick panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the critical static friction coefficient (μ0) and the static friction coefficient (μ) between work-piece and rubber belt during sanding medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particle board (PB). The purpose is to provide theoretical support for improving design techniques of sanding machine and choosing appropriate rubber belts for sanding. The results indicate that μ0 is a constant that can be calculated by maximum sanding force (sFMax) and maximum normal force (nFMax). Besides, there is an exponential relationship between intensity of pressure (P) and μ when work-piece is relatively static on a rubber belt. Among all sanding parameters, git size (G) has the greatest influence on μ. In single-factor experiment, we found that the smaller the nFMax is, the greater the μ is (for same rubber belts), but the variation rates of μ and nFMax are coincident. Six types of rubber belts are adopted, and the average μ of No. 1 and No. 4 are greater than others, but average μ of all the belts are lower than μ0, so when use such six types of rubber belts, a hold-down device or vacuum chuck should be equipped on the sanding machine. Patterns of rubber belts have some impact on μ, and appropriate patterns on the surface of rubber belts contribute to higher μ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improving effect of an increase in the thermal conductivity caused by nano-wollastonite (NW) on the physical and mechanical properties of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) was studied. Nanowollastonite was applied at 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg, based on the dry weight of wood-chips, and compared with control specimens. The size range of wollastonite nanofibers was 30 to 110 nm. The results show that NW significantly (p < 0.05) increased thermal conductivity. The increased thermal conductivity resulted in a better curing of the resin; consequently, mechanical properties were improved significantly. Furthermore, the formation of bonds between wood fibers and wollastonite contributed to fortifying the MDF. It was concluded that a NW content of 2 g/kg did not significantly improve the overall properties and therefore cannot be recommended to industry. Because the properties of NW-6 and NW-8 were significantly similar, a NW-content of 6 g/kg can be recommended to industry to significantly (p < 0.05) improve the properties of MDF panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyrolysis of two waste wood samples with block polypropylene were investigated for the reaction characteristics and properties of the pyrolytic oil. The thermal decomposition of the mixture led to an increase in the temperature range for the decomposition of polypropylene, which implied an interaction in the mixture. New tar compounds were also identified from the copyrolysis using pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The oil produced from the mixtures in a batch type reactor had an increase in the mass yield, with higher C and H, and lower moisture contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, practical, and low-technology approach was developed to fabricate corrugated bamboo particleboards (CBP), a novel bamboo product with a corrugated structure, from bamboo waste (planer waste). This product could be manufactured anywhere in the world where the bamboo industry develops. The selected mechanical and physical properties of CBP were prepared with urea formaldehyde resin at three press temperatures and two density levels and were evaluated. The results showed that the performance of CBPs is highly dependent upon the board density. The static bending strength of CBP laminated with MDF initially increases, and then decreases with increasing press temperature. Increasing the magnitude of the press temperature has a slightly positive effect on the thickness swelling and water absorption. Compared with the excellent mechanical strength of CBP (laminated with MDF), the thickness swelling value of this bamboo-based particleboard without any waterproofing treatment was lower than the minimal requirement of the EN standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the panel type, connector type, and anchorage location on load bearing capacity and stiffness of four-sided furniture cases. Real size (1/1 scale) four sided case specimens were constructed of three different wood based panel. Corner joints of four sided cases were connected with two different ready to assemble (RTA) joint techniques including trapez and minifix fasteners. Four sided cases were anchored to the wall from side panels and top panel with L-shape metal connectors. Loading procedures of American National Standards Institute/Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association were followed during the static tests. Loads were applied from top panel's surface with a loading strap. According to results, four-sided cases constructed of 18mm MDF showed higher load carrying capacity and stiffness values than those of 16mm MDF and 18mm PB cases. The cases assembled with trapez connectors yielded higher load carrying capacity and stiffness values than the cases assembled with minifix connectors. Based on the results, it can be concluded that in general, a four-sided case anchored on side panels has a significantly higher load carrying capacity than the one anchored on top panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research assessed the feasibility of using a neural network to detect low levels of damage in small samples of medium density fiberboard (MDF). The neural network was a three-layer back-propagation network. The undamaged stress wave frequency spectrum patterns were trained by the neural network. The trained patterns were then compared to stress waves patterns taken from MDF samples loaded to various percentages of their estimated failure load. In this experiment, if an application load is below the proportional limit, a small change in wave patterns occurs. The neural network has the unique ability to train data to recognize spectral patterns and has been used with success for the detection of structural damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]