ABSTRACT
MDF Panelboards of Pinus spp. fibers were prepared in laboratorial scale, within a range of densities (600 - 800 kg/m3) and urea-formaldehyde resin content (6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 wt. %), with the purpose of evaluating their mechanical and physical properties. The effect of density and resin content and their interactions were analyzed based on panel mechanical and physical properties. Mechanical properties evaluated were modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity and internal bond, while physical properties studied were thickness swelling and water absorption. All the physical and mechanical properties of the MDF panels were significantly related to the resin content and density. Models have been proposed to evaluate the physical and mechanical variables of the MDF panels taking into account the average density and resin content.
Key words:
MDF; resin content; density; physical and mechanical properties