Mitteldichte Faserplatten -MDF- aus jungem Pappelholz unterschiedlicher Eigenschaften.: WKI-Mitteilung 546/1992.

The morphological structure and proximate chemical composition of 5-year-old and 16-year-old poplar wood samples and the properties of MDF made from them were examined and compared. The influence of the defibration conditions and wood properties that affect bonding such as pH, buffering capacity and content of volatile acids was also investigated. The defibration conditions were found to have a significant effect on the properties of the fibres produced. MDF prepared from the 16-year-old poplar wood were generally of higher mechanical strength and lower thickness swelling than those from the 5-year-old poplar wood of the same clone. However, the release for formaldehyde and volatile acids from the MDF of the 16-year-old poplar wood was relatively higher. Three-layer MDF were of higher mechanical strength and lower thickness swelling than single layer boards. The results indicate that under optimised conditions, MDF of low density and good strength properties can be manufactured from yo ung poplar wood