https://jopr.mpob.gov.my Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:08:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://jopr.mpob.gov.my/microstructure-of-medium-density-fibreboard-from-oil-palm-empty-fruit-bunch-fibre/ Sat, 13 Nov 2021 14:54:31 +0000 https://jopr.mpob.gov.my/V2/?p=9113 Using sequentially acquired 2-D images of microtome sections via a light microscope, 3-D models of the microstructure of commercial and laboratory produced medium density fibreboards (MDF) were constructed. To assess the accuracy of the 3-D models, they were analysed for their ratios of inter-fibre void using an image analysis technique. The study indicated that it was feasible to use this technique to determine the variation in inter-fibre void ratio at different depths in the MDF. The ratio of void area varied significantly in a gradient from the top/bottom of the boards to the core (middle). However, in the other directions (along the length and breadth), there were no significant differences in the void ratio. The ratio of void area within each panel was negatively related to the density

]]> https://jopr.mpob.gov.my/properties-of-medium-density-fibreboard-from-oil-palm-empty-fruit-bunch-fibre/ Sat, 13 Nov 2021 14:55:10 +0000 https://jopr.mpob.gov.my/V2/?p=9118 Medium density fibreboard (MDF) is increasingly popular in the world today. In Malaysia, MDF is made using rubberwood. However, with the diminishing supply of the wood, an alternative raw material is needed. Empty fruit bunches (EFB) is a readily available waste from the oil palm industry, possibly suitable for MDF. It, however, contains residual oil which had to be removed by two pre-treatments – boiling in water and 2% sodium hydroxide (NaOH). In addition, two resin contents (4% and 6%) were used in a factorial 2 x 2 experiment. Removing the oil improved the MDF properties. Although NaOH removed more oil, its fibre was coarser with a higher bulk density (57 vs. 42 kg m^-3 ). The panels produced with the water pre-treated fibre therefore had better mechanical [modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bonding strength (IB)] and physical [water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS) and linear expansion (LE)] properties than the NaOH pre-treated fibre. The higher resin content (6%) also conferred better mechanical and physical properties. All the panels, except those produced with 4% resin and NaOH, easily met the minimum strength requirements by the National Particleboard Association (NPA) for MOR, MOE and IB. In contrast, all the panels were below the standards for WA and TS. The LE was also substandard with the exception of the water panels with 6% resin. Although much work remains to be done, EFB seems an eminently suitable raw material for MDF.

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