1- Department of Wood and Paper Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj,
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2- Faculty of Agriculture, Azad University, Karaj, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract: (8005 Views)
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) was produced using moist depithed bagasse stored dry or wet. The duration of storage for either method varied between 0 to 4 months. Two steaming temperatures of 175C and 185C were also used. MDF boards were produced in the laboratory and the common mechanical and physical properties were measured and compared. Results showed that an increased steaming temperature and storage time (especially for the wet storage method) have negative effects on the mechanical properties and positive effects on the physical properties (water absorption and Thickness swell). The mechanical properties of boards produced from bagasse as received (fresh bagasse) and at a steaming temperature of 175C were superior to others. The modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Internal Bond (IB) of boards from fresh ba-gasse were 29.7 MPa., 3,127 MPa., and 0.52 MPa. respectively. However, the physical properties of boards produced from bagasse after 3 months’ wet storage and a steaming temperature of 185oC were superior, and were measured at 44.3% and 63.9% for water absorption after two and 24 hours’ immersion (WA2, WA24 ), and 11.5% and 17.6% for Thickness Swelling after two and 24 hours immersion (TS2, TS24 ) respectively.
Subject:
Forestry Received: 2010/01/28 | Accepted: 2010/01/28 | Published: 2010/01/28