Effect of steaming time on medium density fiberboard properties produced from beech wood fibers

In this investigation, 36 laboratory Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) panels were produced using beech wood fibers. Variables were three steaming time (5, 10 and 15 minutes), two press time (4 and 6 minutes) and two resin consumption levels (9 and 11%). The physical and mechanical properties of panels were measured and analyzed. The results indicated that the favorite MOR was observed in panels produced through 4 minutes press time, 11% resin consumption and 10 minutes steaming time. Also increase in steaming time to 15 minutes and press time to 6 minutes, caused the MOR and MOE of boards reduced to minimum level. The internal bonding (IB) of boards decreased with steaming and press time increase. However, the panels produced at 25 minutes of steaming time showed minimum of thickness swelling. The results of this investigation indicated that the thickness swelling of boards improved with increase in steaming time. However mechanical properties of boards were higher where the shorter steaming time applied.