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Investigation and Analysis of Tamarix aphylla(Ghaz wood) and Populus

caspica (poplar wood) used as Raw Materials for Manufacturing of Medium
Density Fiberboard (MDF)

Research · August 2016

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2759.4488

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Journal of Advanced Material Sciences (JAMS)

JAMS (2016), X(X): XX-XX

Investigation and Analysis of Tamarix aphylla(Ghaz wood) and

Populus caspica (poplar wood) used as Raw Materials for
Manufacturing of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
W. GUL*, 1, A. KHAN2, and A. SHAKOOR2
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan.
2
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is a composite panel product typically comprising of cellulosic fibers bonded with a synthetic
resin under heat and pressure. MDF is manufactured with a variety of raw materials, providing the opportunity to project the end
product with the specific needed. However, Poor mechanical properties and high water absorption restricts the use of these
composite panels. The objective of this work is to investigate and improve the mechanical properties by developing composites
reinforced with the selection of most appropriate natural fibres (wood). Two types of raw materials, i.e.Tamarix aphylla (Ghaz) and
populous caspica (Poplar) were analyzed and characterized mechanically and physically with the inclusion of standardize technique.
Series wood composites with various pressure levels from 6 to 10 bar was prepared. It was observed that mechanical properties such
as Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Internal Bond (I.B) of composites improved with Populus caspica
(poplar wood fibers) as compared to Tamarix aphylla (Ghaz wood fibers).The Poplar wood fibers eased the penetration of the
synthetic resin into itself and also decreased the energy consumption.

Key Words: Hot press parameters, I.B, MDF, MOE, MOR, Raw Materials
*
Corresponding Author: Waheed Gul, Department of Mechanical Engineering, CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan

E-mail: waheed@cecos.edu.pk

1. Introduction
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a type of wood sheet
formed under optimum Pressure and temperature by using
wood fiber or other plant fiber as a raw materials with the help
of urea formaldehyde resin. The density of MDF in production
is generally controlled between 690 – 750 Kg/M3. The raw
materials used for MDF are Firewood from nearby plantations
and forest, Mango, Ghaz wood (Tamarix aphylla), Poplar wood
(Populus caspica), eucalypt, Wheat straws, Rice husk, Cotton
stalks, Sesbania and Sugarcane bagasse etc.

The performance index of MDF is divided into three categories,

i.e. Physical performance, Mechanical performance and
Biological performance. The Physical performance mainly
includes Density, Moisture content, thickness swelling etc. The
Mechanical performance mainly includes internal bonding,
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Modulus of rupture (MOR),
screw holding force (face and side).The Biological performance
mainly includes the release of formaldehyde. [1].

Mechanical performance mainly include: internal bonding,

Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Modulus of rupture (MOR),
screw holding force (face and side).The Biological performance
mainly include: the release of formaldehyde. Figure 1. Production Process flow of MDF

Figure.1 and 2 shows the whole manufacturing process

associated with different work stations, i.e. Material
Preparation, fiber formation, fiber treatment, mat forming and
Copyright©2015 Gandharapublishers.com ISSN: 2413-0842
Submitted: 16-03-2016 Accepted: 20-06-2016 Available Online: 01-07-2016
JAMS (XXXX), X(X), pp. XX-XX

hot pressing, board treatment and ware house. In material
preparation section, the wood is converted into chips through
chipper machine. [7].The chips are then screened to separate the
required size. The confirmed chips are then transported to chips
washer through a belt conveyor with iron remover installed over
it. These chips are then washed to improve its quality. They are
then transfer to fiber separation section. In fiber Separation
Section, the chips are cooked at a temperature (160 – 180 ºC)
@ (6-8 bar) pressure for about 3-5 min to make it softer. About
1-2 (wt %) of paraffin wax is added to the softened chips to
make its swelling resistant.

Figure 2. MDF Manufacturing Process

The softened chips are then delivered to grinding chamber.

Where, the materials are mechanically decomposed with the
function of water and heat. Pulps are formed and passed in blow
line where urea formaldehyde resin is added into pulp. After
this process, the pulp in the form of fiber enters into the dryer.
[8]. In Fiber treatment section, the moisture is vaporized in fiber
and controlled it within the required range. The final moisture
content in the fiber is controlled within 8 – 13 (wt %). In mat
forming Section, the fiber is spread evenly into the matting
conveyor belt. Under the function of air blow, the mat of
specified thickness is formed. The pre-press dispel the air out
of mat and gives strength to the mat. Hot press is normally
operated by three parameters, i.e. pressure, temperature and
time. Here the board is manufactured by pressurized and
heating condition. In Board Trimming Section, the board is
cooled and conveying to the longitudinal and transversal saw
for cutting. The dust is removed from sides of board. In Sanding
Section, the board is polished to the required size by removing
the extra surface. The board is then inspected and transferred to
ware house.

2. Methodology
The methodology mainly includes the study basic process and
current practices of MDF manufacturing, Identified the defects
Figure 3. Block diagram of Research Methodology
in basic process then found catalyst that reduce the PH value of
the resin reduced the press time for different thickness of board.
And find out all physical and mechanical properties of the final
board. Finally the results were compared with international 3. Experiments and Procedures
standards.

A. Analysis of Fiber separation section

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JAMS (XXXX), X(X), pp. XX-XX

The basic requirement for fiber separation is to separate the

plant fiber materials into mono-fiber by consuming less power
under the preconditions of least damage to the fiber. The state
of separate fiber directly affects the quality of fiber board. Two
types of wood fibers i.e. Ghaz and poplar were selected for
analysis. Under the same conditions (parameters) fiber were
prepared.

Figure 4. Fiber sieves Analysis Test

Table 1. Initial Parameters for Ghaz and Poplar wood fiber

Initial parameters Value

Refiner steam P(bar) 8 bar

UF resin flow rate 1000 kg/l

Cooking time of digester 5 minute

Cooking Temp 160 ⁰ C

Segments clearance 0.2 mm

Diameter of grinding blades 1070

Rotating speed of grinding disc 1450 rpm

Dryer inlet temperature 145 ⁰ C

Dryer outlet temperature 78 ⁰ C

Both Ghaz and Poplar wood fibers were classified according to The fiber classification test was carried out for 5 minutes.
standard series of 5, 10,16,40,50,100 and B dust mesh sieves. Percent value of sieves are calculated and tabulated.

Table 2. Fiber classification analysis

S5 S10 S16 S30 S40 S50 S100 B dust

Wood type 4 mm 2 mm 1 mm 0.55 0.415 0.300 0.15 mm 0.075 mm

mm mm mm

Ghaz 0% 3.5 % 7.96 % 19.18 % 18.04 % 11.53 % 24.41 % 15.37 %

0%
Poplar 5.18 % 12 % 35 % 24.6 % 9.90 % 8.28 % 5.43 %

It is clear from the above table that S30 and S40 Mesh have
excellent result for poplar fibers and very poor for Ghaz fibers.
According to international standards, the summation of S3 and
S4 Mesh should be more than 50 %.
B. Analysis of Refiner and resin addition
Analysis of refiner and resin addition were carried out for both
Ghaz and Poplar species. The Ghaz and Poplar wood chips
were preheated for 5 minutes in vertical digester at a pressure
of 6, 8 and 10 bar respectively. 1 % of wax was added for both
species all the time. The fibers obtained from these conditions
were then blended with 10 % UF resin.

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JAMS (XXXX), X(X), pp. XX-XX

Table 3. Refiner Parameters for 6, 7 and 8 bar pressure

Preheating
Fibers species UF resin Wax Press Time Board size
time

Poplar wood fibers

@ 6,7 and 8 bar 5 minute 10 % 1% 7 minute 16 mm
Pressure

Ghaz wood fibers

@ 6,7 and 8 bar 5 minute 10 % 1% 7 minute 16 mm
Pressure

4. Results and discussion
Final manufactured MDF properties are briefly summarized in
Table 4. The relative investigation of the defined MDF
properties, such as swelling in thickness (Ts), MOR, MOE and
I.B can be achieved on the basis of pressure variation. Ts is the
physical property of MDF while MOR, MOE and I.B are
Mechanical properties of the produced MDF. The MDF
obtained based on constant parameters, i.e. preheating time, UF
resin, Wax, Press timing and board size and a variable
constraint pressure. Ts property of MDF is accomplished with
detail of the pressure variation by these devices. Unmatchable
results are obtained from both Ghaz and poplar wood fibers. At
6, 7 and 8 bar steam pressure, the Ts value was calculated as 15
%, 17 % and 15.3 % respectively. Worse Ts property was
experimentally calculated for Ghaz wood fibers. These values
are 15.8 % @ 6 bar, 16.7 % @ 8 bar and 16 % @ 10 bar
pressure. The deviation of calculated Ts values from standard
(EN-317) depend upon the nature curing of resin used as binder.
In record of the manufactured MDF the experimental value of
Mechanical adhesive property i.e. Internal Bonding for poplar
wood based fibers is 0.65 N/mm2 @ 6 bar, 0.58 N/mm2 @ 8bar
and 0.67 N/mm2 @ 10 bar steam pressure. Conversely, in case
of Ghaz wood fibers, the experimental value of I.B is 0.54
N/mm2 @ 6 bar, 0.49 @ 8 bar and 0.52 @10 bar pressure as
shown in table 6. The standard value of I.B is 0.6 N/mm2, which
clearly highlighted the optimization of Poplar wood. The Ghaz
wood fibers is not capable of producing MDF which meet
according to international (EN-319) standard.

Table 4. The final MDF properties at 6, 7 and 8 bar pressure

Fibers species Ts MOR MOE I.B P

Poplar wood
15 % 37 N/mm2 3602 N/mm2 0.65 N/mm2 6 bar
fibers

17 % 35 N/mm2 3700 N/mm2 0.58 N/mm2 8 bar

15.3 % 38 N/mm2 3540 N/mm2 0.67 N/mm2 10 bar

15.8 % 39 N/mm2 3570 N/mm2 0.54 N/mm2 6 bar

Ghaz wood
16.7 % 36 N/mm2 3493 N/mm2 0.49 N/mm2 8 bar
fibers

16 % 36.9 N/mm2 3501 N/mm2 0.52 N/mm2 10 bar

Standard values 12 % 30 N/mm2 2500 N/mm² 0.6 N/mm² -

The manufactured MDF is also tested for it’s very important
Mechanical property, i.e. MOR. The experimental value of
MOR in case of poplar wood fibers is 37 N/mm2 @ 6bar, 35
N/mm2 @ 8 bar and 38 N/mm2 @ 10 bar pressure
Comparatively Ghaz wood fibers have greater MOR (39
N/mm2 @ 6 bar ,37.6 @ 8 bar and 37.9 @ 10 bar pressure) than
that of poplar wood fibers. This statement is credited to the fine
fibers of Ghaz wood. In other words the grain size is inversely
proportional to Modulus of Rupture (MOR). The little bit
deviation of MOR values from the statement is due to pressure
variation and resin, while both raw materials exhibits MOR
which is far better than standard (EN-310).
From experimental result the MOE values are 3602 N/mm2 @
6 bar, 3700 N/mm2 @ 8 bar and 3540 N/mm2 @ 10 bar pressure
for poplar wood fibers and 3570 N/mm2 @ 6 bar, 3493 N/mm2
@ 8 bar and 3501N/mm2 @ 10 bar pressure which shows the
supremacy of both materials. As the resin is uniform so the ratio
of glue (resin) per fiber is affected due to fine grain size.

Copyright©2015 Gandharapublishers.com ISSN: 2413-0842 31

JAMS (XXXX), X(X), pp. XX-XX
5. Characterization and discussion
Figure 5 demonstrates the sieves size and % values of fibers for
both Ghaz and poplar wood. The Ghaz and poplar wood fibers
are exposed to fiber sieves analysis techniques. The
experimental values of fibers sieves analysis are compared on
the basis of S5, S10, S16, S30, S40, S50, S100 and B dust sieves
with US standards 4mm, 2mm, 1mm, 0.55mm, 0.415mm,
0.300mm, 0.15mm and 0.075 mm respectively.
The obtained fibers of both materials are analyzed and
characterized. According to US standard, the sum of % values
of fibers of S30 and S40 is equal or greater than 50 %. From
experimental results the sum of S30 and S40 is 37.22 % i.e.
Figure 5. Sieves size vs % values of fibers for both Ghaz and poplar wood fibers
The developed MDF from both Ghaz and poplar wood fibers
are characterized in figure 6 for their MOE at variable pressure,
i.e. (6, 8, 10 bar). It is described here that MOE for Ghaz wood
fiber are 3570 N/mm2 @ 6 bar, 3493 N/mm2 @ 8 bar and
3501N/mm2 @ 10 bar pressure and 3602 N/mm2 @ 6 bar, 3700
N/mm2 @ 8 bar and 3540 N/mm2 @ 10 bar pressure for poplar
wood fibers. The graph also shows that even at 6 bar pressure
the MOE values for both Ghaz and Poplar wood fibers are high
w.r.t standard values. This means that the power consumption
should be less. If the rate of steam consumption increase, the
power consumption is also increases. Generally we can say that
both Ghaz and poplar wood are capable of producing high
values of MOE at low steam consumption. However high
pressure of steam can increase the production rate and smooth
Copyright©2015 Gandharapublishers.com
(S30 + S40 = 37.22 % < 50 %) which is less than US standard.
Conversely in case of poplar wood fibers, the sum of S30 and
S40 is 59.6 %, i.e. (S30 + S40 = 59.6 % > 50 %) which exactly
fulfill on the standard criteria of US. The B dust which is
actually powder of wood not fiber is 15 % for Ghaz wood fibers
which is major reason of weak MDF. Conversely the said value
for poplar wood is only 5.43 % which is quiet close to
international standard (B dust = 5 %). Due to high % value of
B dust, the Ghaz wood will required more resin for binding in
order to attain the required strength of MDF. More ever due to
high resin consumption the cost of the produced MDF increases
which lead to poor market expression of the product and
resultantly the productivity is affected.
fibers are obtained instead of course. The final finishing of
MDF will also be uniform due to uniform size and color of
fibers.
For the produced MDF, the MOR of Ghaz and poplar wood
fibers are explained in Figure 7.The MOR values of poplar
wood fibers are 37 N/mm2 , 35 N/mm2 and 38 N/mm2 @ 6, 8
and 10 bar respectively, conversely, for the Ghaz wood fibers
the MOR is comparatively high and its values are 39 N/mm2 ,
36 N/mm2 and 36.9 N/mm2 . The MOR value of Ghaz wood
fiber is 39 N/mm2 @ 6 bar and for same value of pressure the
poplar wood fibers has a MOR value of 37 N/mm2. The reason
behind the high value of MOR for Ghaz wood fibers is the small
grain size of fibers than poplar wood fibers.
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JAMS (XXXX), X(X), pp. XX-XX

Figure 6. Characterization of MOE for both Ghaz and poplar wood fibers at variable pressure

Figure 7. Characterization of MOR for both Ghaz and poplar wood fibers at variable pressure

For systematic judgment of the Ghaz wood fibers and poplar
wood fibers, the Internal bonding (I.B) values are drawn w.r.t
pressure. The internal bonding is the principal organ of strength
for MDF. The internal bonding values of poplar wood fibers are
far better than Ghaz wood fibers. The I.B values for poplar
wood fibers are 0.65 N/mm2 @ 6 bar, 0.58 N/mm2 @ 8bar and
0.67 N/mm2 @ 10 bar steam pressure. Conversely, in case of
Ghaz wood fibers, the experimental values of I.B are 0.54
N/mm2 @ 6 bar, 0.49 @ 8 bar and 0.52 @10 bar pressure as
shown in figure 8. The standard value already described is 0.6
N/mm2 as per international standard. The Ghaz wood fibers
have the capability to produce MDF which has very close
values of I.B with standard (EN-319).Conversely no such
capability is seem in the Ghaz wood fibers regarding the
mechanical adhesion.

Copyright©2015 Gandharapublishers.com ISSN: 2413-0842 33

JAMS (XXXX), X(X), pp. XX-XX
Figure 8. Characterization of I.B for both Ghaz and poplar wood fibers at variable pressure
6. Conclusions 6.
The international market claim for medium density fiberboard
(MDF) is growing day by day with an annual average evolution
of 15 (%). It is imperious to hunt out appropriate raw materials
that are copiously available. This mandate needs to be 7.
remunerated with enhanced production and quality. Two types
of raw materials, i.e.Tamarix aphylla (Ghaz) and populous
caspica (Poplar) were analyzed and characterized mechanically
and physically with the inclusion of standardize technique. 8.
Series wood composites with various pressure levels from 6 to
10 bar was prepared. It was observed that mechanical properties
such as Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity
(MOE) and Internal Bond (I.B) of composites improved with 9.
Populus caspica (poplar wood fibers) as compared to Tamarix
aphylla (Ghaz wood fibers).The Poplar wood fibers eased the
penetration of the synthetic resin into itself and also decreased
the energy consumption. 10.
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