Compression and tension strength properties of detachable joints in MDF and particleboard

This study investigated the comparative tension and compression strength of detachable edge joints in MDF and particle boards. Five pieces of each samples were provides in L shape with the size of 20*20 cm according to D 1761 ASTM. Fittings were applied in three types: cross, hexagonal shape and plastic fitting with 2 types of counter sink and butt screw were used. The results showed that the highest amount of tension strength was in cross shape metal joints and highest compression strength in hexagonal joints. Also the lowest strength of both tension and compression was observed in plastic joints. According to results, the joints with counter sink screws had higher strength than butt screw, and the failure place in this samples was like crevice in the bottom of boards. The data showed that the tension strength of all three fittings were higher than compression strength. The highest bearing of tension stress was in MDF with glue and dowel, counter sink screw and cross shaped fitting and the lowest was in particle boards without dowel, butt screw and plastic strips. The highest bearing of compression stress was in MDF with glue and dowel joint, hexagonal metal strip and counter sink screw, the lowest was seen in particle board without dowel, butt screw, and plastic strip.