Evaluation of writing and copy papers compared with decorative paper with using functionalized nanoalumina in the production of melamine laminate veneer

In this study, melamine laminated veneers (MLV) were made with bagasse writing paper, copy and decorative papers and their properties were investigated. In order to make MLV, the properties of the base papers were measured before impregnation and then the base papers were first impregnated with urea formaldehyde resin and pressed on the surface of the low-pressure fiber board. Then, all papers were coated with melamine formaldehyde resin together with functionalized nanoalumina, with 50 nm particle dimensions at 3 levels of 0.5, 1 and 5% (w/w) by painting brush. MLV strength properties including wear resistance, stain, cigarette burning, crack and impact effects were measured. Results showed that the melamine coating properties were dependent on the base paper type and the percentage of nanoalumina. Also, the most important feature of base paper that directly affected the properties of MLV was the water absorption rate. In addition, there was an interaction between the effect of the base paper properties and the effect of nanoalumina on the properties of the MLV so that the amount of nanoalumina used to improve melamine coating properties depended on the properties of the base paper. Overall, if the stationery and commercial copy papers are impregnated with melamine coatings, in some respects they behave completely as decorative papers but to be replaced completely with them, some of their properties have to be improved.