ISSN 2375-0979
African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 11 (8), August, 2023. Available online at https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajwsf/articles
Opinion
Accepted 15 May, 2023
Title: Wood-Based Composites: Manufacturing Processes and Applications
Authors:
1) Name: John Mbappe
Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
University: University of Buea
2) Name: Grace Nkeng
Department: Department of Wood Science and Technology
Faculty: Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
University: University of Dschang
Abstract:
Wood-based composites are a category of materials that are manufactured by combining wood fibers or particles with adhesives to create a composite material with enhanced properties. This article aims to provide an overview of the manufacturing processes involved in producing wood-based composites and explore their various applications. The discussion will cover the different types of wood-based composites, such as particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and plywood, along with their respective manufacturing techniques. Additionally, the article will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of using wood-based composites in various applications, including construction, furniture manufacturing, and packaging. The conclusion will summarize the key points discussed and provide insights into the future prospects of wood-based composites.
Keywords: wood-based composites, manufacturing processes, applications, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood.
Introduction:
Wood has been a widely used material for centuries due to its natural beauty, strength, and versatility. However, there are limitations to using solid wood in certain applications, such as its susceptibility to moisture and dimensional instability. To overcome these limitations while still harnessing the benefits of wood, wood-based composites have been developed. Wood-based composites are engineered materials that combine wood fibers or particles with adhesives to create a composite material with improved properties.
Manufacturing Processes:
The manufacturing processes involved in producing wood-based composites vary depending on the type of composite being produced. Three commonly used types of wood-based composites are particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and plywood.
1. Particleboard:
Particleboard is made by combining small wood particles or chips with a synthetic resin adhesive under heat and pressure. The process involves several steps: raw material preparation, blending, forming, pressing, and finishing. In the raw material preparation stage, the wood particles are screened and dried to remove impurities and moisture content. The blended mixture of wood particles and adhesive is then formed into a mat using a forming machine. The mat is then pressed under high temperature and pressure to cure the adhesive and form a solid panel. Finally, the panel is trimmed, sanded, and finished to achieve the desired surface quality.
2. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF):
MDF is manufactured by breaking down wood fibers into individual cells and then reconstituting them using a synthetic resin adhesive. The process involves several stages: fiber preparation, blending, forming, pressing, and finishing. In the fiber preparation stage, the wood logs are debarked and chipped into small pieces. These chips are then refined into individual fibers using mechanical or chemical processes. The fibers are blended with an adhesive and formed into a mat using a forming machine. The mat is then pressed under heat and pressure to cure the adhesive and create a dense, uniform panel. Similar to particleboard, MDF panels undergo trimming, sanding, and finishing processes to achieve the desired surface quality.
3. Plywood:
Plywood is made by bonding together thin layers of wood veneers with an adhesive. The manufacturing process involves several steps: log preparation, veneer peeling, drying, gluing, pressing, and finishing. In the log preparation stage, the logs are debarked and cut into suitable lengths for peeling. The logs are then rotated against a knife to produce thin veneer sheets. These veneer sheets are dried to reduce their moisture content and improve stability. The dried veneers are then glued together with an adhesive in a specific pattern to create a plywood panel. The panel is pressed under heat and pressure to cure the adhesive and form a strong bond between the veneers. Finally, the plywood panel undergoes trimming, sanding, and finishing processes.
Applications:
Wood-based composites find applications in various industries due to their enhanced properties compared to solid wood. Some of the key applications include:
1. Construction: Wood-based composites are widely used in the construction industry for applications such as wall panels, flooring, roofing, and structural components. Their dimensional stability, strength, and resistance to moisture make them suitable for these applications.
2. Furniture Manufacturing: Wood-based composites are extensively used in the production of furniture, including cabinets, tables, chairs, and shelves. They offer a cost-effective alternative to solid wood while providing consistent quality and design flexibility.
3. Packaging: Wood-based composites are used in packaging materials such as crates, pallets, and boxes. Their strength and durability make them ideal for protecting goods during transportation and storage.
Conclusion:
Wood-based composites have revolutionized the use of wood in various industries by offering enhanced properties and improved performance compared to solid wood. The manufacturing processes involved in producing wood-based composites, such as particleboard, MDF, and plywood, require careful selection of raw materials, adhesive formulations, and precise control of processing parameters. These composites find applications in construction, furniture manufacturing, packaging, and many other industries due to their dimensional stability, strength, cost-effectiveness, and design flexibility. As technology advances and new adhesive formulations are developed, the future prospects of wood-based composites look promising.
References:
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doi:10.1007/s11676-014-0489-y