Certain physical and mechanical properties of medium density fiberboards manufactured from blends of corn (Zea mays indurata Sturt.) stalks and pine (Pinus nigra) wood

Guler, Cengiz/0000-0001-8748-6725WOS: 000279624900003Corn stalk is a renewable natural resource that currently has limited industrial utilization. The objective of this study was to examine some chemical properties of corn stalk (holocellulose, alpha-cellulose, lignin and ash content, alcohol-benzene, hot and cold water solubility, and solubility in dilute alkali [1% NaOH]) and to evaluate its suitability for medium-density fiberboard (MDF) production. Panels were produced using mixtures of corn stalk (Zen ways indurata Sturt.) and pine (Turkish Pious nigra) fibers in various proportions (from 0% to 100%). The panels produced had density levels of 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8 g cm(-3). The physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured panels were tested. Chemical analysis shows that the holocellulose, alpha-cellulose, and lignin content of corn stalk was similar to that of wood and some other crop residues. The ash content of corn stalk was higher than that of soft- and hardwoods. Mechanical test results indicate that the panels produced utilizing solely corn stalk met the required standards, except the panels with a density of 0.6 g cm(-3). Increasing the pine fiber ratio in the panel mixture improved panel properties.Turkish State Planning Organization [2004 K 120 200]The financial support (2004 K 120 200) of the Turkish State Planning Organization is gratefully acknowledged. We thank Divapan Integrated Wood Company for their help with fiber production. This research was carried out at the Fiberboard Laboratory of the Department of Forest Industrial Engineering, Duzce University, Turkey