Effect of cemical modification of lignocellulosics fiber on physical and mechanical properties in MDF

The goal of this study was to investigate the use of bagasse fibers as raw material for making laboratory medium density fiberboard (MDF). Effect of treatment (with maleic anhydride and without maleic anhydride) of fibers and the press temperatures (180 ºC , 190 ºC , and 200 ºC) on the mechanical and dimensional stability properties of MDF panels were determined. Physical (thickness swelling, water absorption, and swilling in water at ambient temperatures and in steam for 12-216 h.) and mechanical properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond strength) of the panels were determined according to the procedure of EN standards.This study showed all MDF panels made from bagasse fibers treated with maleic anhydride (MA) at 190 ºC press temperature had the highest values among the other types of specimens for general purpose boards. The thickness swelling and water absorption value with treated bagasse fibers and 190 ºC press temperature were very lower than all MDF panels. Treated bagasse fibers at 190 ºC show a minimum steam absorption. The absorption of steam increase with increase in time from 2 to 120 h in all the six treatments. Beyond 120 h. no additional absorption of steam is found in any of the six MDF boards