The effect of old corrugated container (OCC) as urea formaldehyde adhesive filler on properties of medium density fiberboard made from bagasse and MDF waste

The work is related to the effect of old corrugated container (OCC) as Urea Formaldehyde resin (UF) extender on properties of medium density fiberboard (MDF) prepared from Bagasse and MDF waste as a partial substitute of fibers. The important variables in this research were ratio of UF resin powder to OCC (at five levels; 100:0, 5/5:1/98, 97:3, 5/5:4/95, and 94:6) and ratio of bagasse fibers to MDF waste (at five level; 100:0, 98:2, 96:4, 94:6 and 92:8). The fixed factors in all treatments were 6 mm/min for press closing time and 150° C for press temperature. Thickness swelling (TS), water absorption (WA) after 24h, modulus of elasticity (MOR), modulus of rupture (MOE) and internal bonding (IB)) of panels were investigated according to EN standard and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The results clearly showed that waste paper powder and MDF waste had a significant effect on the bending strength and modulus of elasticity. Significantly, an increase in OCC can improve internal bonding (IB) while it can be reduced by increasing of MDF waste. Minimum water absorption was found in panels with maximum MDF waste content. It means the panels with 8 percent MDF waste had the least absorption. Moreover, the panels with highest content of MDF waste had the least thickness swelling. No significant difference was found between the effects of various OCC content on the physical properties while it had a meager increase on water absorption and thickness swelling.