Castor Oil Based Polyurethane Resin Used in the Production of Medium Density Fiberboard

摘要

The medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a wood derived product. The wood-based panel is normally produced with urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde and/or phenol-formaldehyde adhesives. However, the former is considerably toxic and environmentally damaging, while the lather is expensive, thus motivating the search for alternative raw materials in fiberboard production. This research discusses a study of MDF produced from alternative castor oil based polyurethane adhesive and Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis fibers. The castor oil based polyurethane resin developed at the Sao Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, is an environmentally friendly vegetal oil-based polymer that is harmless to humans. The Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis offers favorable properties for fiberboard manufacture. The MDF's performance was evaluated based on the results of physical and mechanical tests recommended by the European standard (EC). Tests results showed higher values than those recommended by the European standard, indicating that the castor oil-based polyurethane resin is promising adhesive for the manufacture of MDF.