title: Properties of medium density fiberboards made from renewable biomass.
abstract: The goal of this study was to determine the comparative properties of dry-formed medium density fiberboards (MDF) made from renewable biomass (wheat and soybean straw) and those from conventional soft wood fiber. The MDF properties evaluated were modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, internal bond strength, thickness swell, and screw holding capacity. The results show that MDF made from wheat straw fiber and soy straw fiber have weaker mechanical and water resistance properties than those made from softwood fiber. Soybean straw is comparable to wheat straw in terms of both mechanical and water resistance properties to make MDF. Water resistance of MDF decreased drastically with increasing straw fiber composition. Wheat straw fiber and soybean straw fiber should be physically or chemically treated to increase their water resistance property for MDF production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Science, The University of Tennessee, 2506 E.J. Chapman Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. xye2@utk.edu
authors.forename: X Philip
authors.initials: XP
authors.lastname: Ye
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Julson
authors.forename: Monlin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kuo
authors.forename: Al
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Womac
authors.forename: Deland
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Myers
mesh_terms: D000269:Adhesives / Q000032:analysis; D018533:Biomass; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000032:analysis*; D004548:Elasticity; D008422:Materials Testing; D013025:Glycine max; D014908:Triticum
chemical_list: D000269:Adhesives