EFFECTS OF NANOCOPPER ON PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MEDIUM-DENSITY FIBREBOARD

Effects of copper nanoparticles on physical and mechanical properties of medium-density fibreboards (MDF) were investigated. The size of copper nanoparticles ranged from 20 to 90 nm. Nanocopper was mixed with urea formaldehyde resin at two levels of 60 and 80 mL kg(-1) based on the dry weight of fibres. The properties of the MDF produced were compared with control specimens. Three hot press times of 5, 6 and 7 min were used. Results showed that the highest physical and mechanical properties were observed in the 5-min 8% nanocopper treatment. Heat transfer property of copper facilitated polymerisation of resin in the core section of the mat and, consequently, improved the properties. Increase in hot press time significantly decreased properties in nanocopper-treated specimens, both in 6 and 8% treatments. The extra heat that was transferred to the surface and core sections resulted in the breaking down of resin bonds. As to the rather similar results of 6 and 8% nanocopper, 5-min nanocopper at 6% concentration may be recommended for use at industrial scale to improve physical and mechanical properties of MDF.