Evaluating the quality of the medium density fiberboard made from kenaf core and stalk

Utilization of kenaf core and stalk for the production of medium density fiberboard was investigated. Control boards were produced using poplar wood fibers and compared with kenaf boards. Urea formaldehyde resin was used. Medium density fiberboards were made at two densities of 0.55 and 0.75 g/cm3. Six combinations of variable were tested and for each combination of variables, 3 replications and the total of 18 laboratory MDF boards were produced. The kenaf core and stalk fiber dimensions and the mechanical and physical properties of the MDF boards were measured. Factorial experimental design was used for statistical analysis of generated data. Results showed that average length of kenaf core and stalk fiber are 3.607 and 0.78 mm, and their respective diameters are 41.48 and 36.76 μm. The results of modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bonding and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours immersion in water showed that kenaf core fiberboard with the density of 0.75 g/cm3 are above the required values for these boards which indicate that these properties are comparable with MDF from wood. It can be expressed that kenaf core fibers can substitute the poplar wood fiber for MDF production. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding of MDF boards produced using kenaf core was improved as the density of the boards increased. The thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours immersion in water was comparable to poplar fiberboard. Kenaf stalk fiberboard showed lower mechanical and physical properties due to the presence of bark fibers.