The effects of steaming time, press time and resin content on MDF properties

In this study Medium Density Fiberboard was produced from 4 year old Poplar clones (P.e. costanzo, P.e. 564.41, P.e. vernirubensis). Fibers length of P.e. costanzo, P.e. 564.41,. e. vernirubensis were measured 805, 751 and 764 micron respectively. Also fibers diameter of these clones were determined 25.76, 25.44, 25.23 micron respectively. Three steaming times (5, 10, 15 minutes) were used for fibers preparation. Also three press times (3, 4, 5 minutes) and two resin contents (9%, 11%) were applied for MDF production. Thus physical and mechanical properties of boards such as MOE, MOR, IB and Thickness Swelling after 2 and 24 hours were investigated. The physical and mechanical properties of boards were tested in based on EN standard. The measurements of bending properties and IB of MDF revealed that increasing steaming time caused to decrease MOE, MOR and IB. The highest of MOE, MOR and IB were obtained in 5 minutes steaming time. Also the lowest values of Thickness Swelling after 2 and 24 hours were obtained in 15 minutes steaming time. The influence of press time on bending properties was not significant. The highest of IB was obtained in 5 minutes press time. As expected, boards demonstrated better properties at higher resin content.