Evaluation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Medium Density Fiberboard Made from Old Newsprint Fibers

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the use of old newsprint (ONP) fiber as raw material for laboratory made medium density fiberboard (MDF). Effect of ONP fiber mixed with virgin aspen (Populus deltoides) fiber and the press time (3, 4, and 5 min) on the properties of MDF panels were determined. Panels were produced using aspen fibers in surface layer and combination of aspen fibers and ONP fibers in core layer. Physical (thickness swelling) and mechanical properties of the panels were determined according to the procedure of EN standards. This study showed reduction in bending strength and internal bond strength of the panels as ONP fiber was loaded from 35 to 70% in core layer. Thickness swelling of MDF panels was drastically increased with addition of ONP fiber to the panels' furnishes. Based on the findings of this study, it appears that ONP can be considered as a potentially suitable raw material for manufacturing MDF products without having any significant adverse influence on the panel properties.

Effects of nanoclay and coupling agent on the physico‐mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of wood flour/polypropylene composites

“…The most crucial factor that affects the mechanical properties of the fiber‐reinforced materials is the fiber matrix interfacial adhesion. The quality of interfacial bonding is determined by several factors, such as the nature of filler and polymer components, the fiber aspect ratio, the processing procedure and the filler treatment [8].…”

“…The incorporation of nanoclay as reinforcing filler is another method for improving the overall properties of lignocellulosic thermoplastic composites. Dispersion of nanoclay in polymers to form nanocomposites is claimed to offer benefits in achieving improved polymer properties including mechanical strength and thermal stability [7, 8]. When compared with fiber reinforced polymers, the mechanical properties have been found to be anisotropic because of the reinforcement from the inorganic layer, which occurs in two dimensions rather than in one dimension as in the case of fibers.…”

“…The enhancement is easily understood because filler in organoclay form can carry more tensile load. The NC is much stiffer than polymer matrix and as a result it adds stiffness to the composites [8]. The phenomenon was stronger when using 5 wt% MAPP.…”

Influence of Adding Offcuts and Trims with a Recycling Approach on the Properties of High-Density Fibrous Composites

“…Another work has elaborated hardboard (HB) made of recycled corrugate cardboard [ 15 ], reintroducing 20% of recovered MDF for dry-process MDF production, where panels meet the requirements of relevant standard requirements [ 16 ]. Furthermore, to reduce wood wastes disposed of in landfills, MDF can be produced from up to 100% recovered fibers, or even of old newsprint fibers [ 17 , 18 ]. Also, there are suggestions to re-use the post-used MDF fibers in MDF production after their steam refining conversion [ 19 ].…”

Properties of Composite Panels Made from Secondary Fibers with Boric Acid

“…A variety of natural fibers for building applications have been commercialized already, but the recycled fibers investigated in this study are still rarely used in building practices. The cellulosic fibers are competitive materials thanks to their low density, well mechanical properties, easy processing, high stability, occupational health benefits, high quantity availability, low price, and reduced environmental impacts for their production (Nourbakhsh et al, 2010;Okino et al, 2000).…”