Effects of wollastonite nanofibers on fluid flow in medium-density fiberboard

We studied the effect of wollastonite nanofibers on fluid flow in medium-density fiberboard(MDF).Nanowollastonite(NW) was applied in MDF at 10 %,based on the dry weight of wood fibers. We also tested chicken feathers as an additive to the matrix at 5 and 10 %by weight. The weight of feathers was reduced from the wood fibers to keep the density of the panels constant(0.66 g cm-3). Wollastonite nanofibers acted as filler in the matrix and significantly decreased gas and liquid permeability. Higher thermal conductivity of the NW-treated MDF-mats resulted in a better cure of resin, and consequently more integrity in the composite-matrix and lower permeability. The water-repellant property of wollastonite also contributed to the decrease in liquid permeability.Feathers reduced gas and liquid permeability due to the hydrophobic nature of keratin, as well as its formation as a physical barrier towards passing of fluids. Ten percent feather content proved too high and some checks and cracks occurred in the core of the panels after hot-pressing.Panels with 5 %-feather content resulted in both lower fluid flow and adequate physical integrity in the core section of the MDF-matrix.