Heat and mass transfer in wood composite panels during hot pressing: Part 4. Experimental investigation and model validation

The effects of panel density and strand size on the temperature and gas pressure inside strand mats during hot pressing has been experimentally investigated. The results show good agreement with model predictions. Strand dimensions have a strong effect on the core temperature and gas pressure when the mat/panel density is relatively high. At lower density, the temperature and gas pressure are controlled only by the panel density. Comparison between the model predictions and experimental results also reveals the need for further characterisation of the basic mat properties, especially conductivity and permeability.