Effects of the improvement in thermal conductivity coefficient by nano-wollastonite on physical and mechanical properties in medium-density fiberboard (MDF)

• Main Authors: Taghiyari, Hamid Reza, Ghorbanali, Mohammad, Md. Tahir, Paridah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University 2014
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/37399/1/Effects%20of%20the%20improvement%20in%20thermal%20conductivity%20coefficient%20by%20nano.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/37399/; http://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/BioRes/article/view/BioRes_09_3_4138_Taghiyari_Improvement_Thermal_Conductivity

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.