Development of wood composites from recycled fibres bonded with magnesium lignosulfonate

Abstract

The potential of producing ecofriendly composites from industrial waste fibres, bonded with magnesium lignosulfonate, a lignin-based formaldehyde-free adhesive, was investigated in this work. Composites were produced in the laboratory using the following parameters: a hot press temperature of 210 °C, a pressing time of 16 min, and a 15% gluing content of magnesium lignosulfonate (on the dry fibres). The physical and mechanical properties of the produced composites were evaluated and compared with the European Standard (EN) required properties (EN 312, EN 622-5) of common wood-based panels, such as particleboards for internal use in dry conditions (type P2), load-bearing particleboards for use in humid conditions (type P5), heavy-duty load-bearing particleboards for use in humid conditions (type P7), and medium-density fibreboards (MDF) for use in dry conditions. In general, the new produced composites exhibited satisfactory mechanical properties: a bending strength (MOR) (18.5 N•mm-2) that was 42% higher than that required for type P2 particleboards (13 Nmm-2) and 16% higher than that required for type P5 particleboards (16 N•mm-2). Additionally, the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of composites (2225 N•mm-2) was 24% higher than that required for type P2 particleboards (1800 N•mm-2) and equivalent to the required MOE of MDF panels for use in dry conditions (2200 N•mm-2). However, these ecofriendly composites showed deteriorated moisture properties, i.e., 24 h swelling and 24 h water absorption, which were a distinct disadvantage. This should be further investigated, as modifications in the lignosulfonate formula used and/or production parameters are necessary. © 2020 by the authors.