Comparing the Applied Properties of Different Medium Density Fiberboards Produced From Corn and Cotton Stalks and Beech Fibers

In order to investigate the potential of two agricultural residues (cotton and corn stalks), laboratory MDF boards were produced using fibers generated applying ten minutes steaming at 175 ºC, defibrated with 25 centimeters single disc refiner. Three press temperatures (170, 180 and 190 ºC) were used. For board pressing. Boards after conditioning at 65% RH and 21 ºC and then test samples were prepared according to relevant EN standard. All tests were performed according to relevant EN standard methods and then analyzed. The results indicate that the strength (MOR and MOE) of boards produced from corn stalks is almost 25% higher than those from cotton stalks. However no significant difference was observed for internal bonds of boards. Thickness swelling of MDF boards from corn stalks was lower than cotton stalks. Comparing the results with the strength of boards produced from beech wood showed the similarity between corn stalks and beech wood, but the strength of MDF boards from cotton stalks was lower than those produced from beech wood. Our results fulfill the minimum EN requirement.