Effect of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Medium Density Fiberboard

Polymers (Basel). 2021 May 31;13(11):1818. doi: 10.3390/polym13111818.

Abstract

In this research, the special effects of graphene oxide nanoparticle charging (0, 2, 4, 6, wt.%) on the properties of medium-density fiberboard were examined. Physical and mechanical properties of the panels were determined conferring the method of European Norm standards. The consequences exhibited substantial enhancement in mechanical properties, explicitly in modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding for 2-6% nanoparticle addition in a urea-formaldehyde resin. The mechanical properties, i.e., internal bond, modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture were improved by 28.5%, 19.22% and 38.8%, respectively. Results also show a clear enhancement in thickness swelling and water absorption. The physical properties of thickness swelling, water absorption and thermal conductivity were improved up to 50%, 19.5% and 39.79%, respectively. The addition of graphene oxide nanoparticles strongly affected the curing time of the urea-formaldehyde resin and improved its thermal stability.

Keywords: MDF; graphene oxide; internal bond; modulus of elasticity; modulus of rupture; thickness swelling; urea–formaldehyde resin; water absorption.