The effect of Bagasse alkaline treatment on Medium Density Fiberboard properties

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Bagasse alkaline treatment (hydroxide sodium) on Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) properties. For this purpose, wet depitted and storage bagasse was used. Cooking process was done for fibers preraring in 10 liters digester. Liqure to bagasse ratio was 10 to 1. Hydroxide sodium content was 0%, 4% and 5% based on oven dry weigth of bagasse. Cooking time and temperature were 5 min and 170 centigrade respectively. Fiber slides were obtained by using optical microscope. Chemical components such as holocelloulose and lignin contents were determined. Liqures pH was mesearued before and after cooking. Urea formaldehyde resin was used for MDF producing. Resin content was 12% based on oven dried bagasse. Bending properties (MOR & MOE), internal bonding and thickness swelling of the boards were determined based on EN-310, EN-319 and EN-317 respectively. The results showed that when using 4% alkaline treatment, were seen the minimum fibers cutting and crusing. With increasing of hydroxide sodium content, lignin content decreased and holocelloulose increased. Bulk density increased when increasing hydroxide sodium content. The maximum MOR, MOE and internal bonding of the boards were obtained in 4% hydroxide sodium content. Also thickness swelling of the boards was minimum.