Abstract:
The objective of this investigation was to evaluate different Thermo-Mechanical Pulping (TMP) conditions on the properties of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) made from kenaf bast. Experimental panels with a target density of 700 kg m-3 were manufactured from raw material produced using different pressure levels of 3, 5 and 7 bar at two refining times, namely 3 and 5 min employing TMP process. The fibres were blended with 12% urea formaldehyde resin. The Water Absorption (WA), Thickness Swelling (TS), Modulus Of Rupture (MOR), Modulus Of Elasticity (MOE) and Internal Bonding (IB) of the panels were determined based on Malaysian Standard 1787: 2005. The study indicated that refining pressure had a dominant affect on overall board properties in an exception of their water absorption property. Refining time however, had no effect on both fibre and most of the board properties. Internal bonding values of the samples enhanced with extended refining time of the fibres. The results also showed that fibre morphology had some influence on the final board properties. Longer fibre produced board with relatively lower water absorption and thickness swelling, but higher in modulus of rupture and internal bonding values.
H.A. Aisyah, M.T. Paridah, M.H. Sahri, A.A. Astimar and U.M.K. Anwar, 2012. Influence of Thermo Mechanical Pulping Production Parameters on Properties of Medium Density Fibreboard Made from Kenaf Bast. Journal of Applied Sciences, 12: 575-580.
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