Influence of Pressing Pressure on the Mechanical Properties of Durio zibethinus (Durian) Fiberboard

Abstract

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) was developed from Durio zibethinus (durian) husk using urea formaldehyde (UF) as binder. The output will be applied as an automotive panel, realigning the conventional application of MDFs. Fibers were recovered from the husk, the undersize of 10 mesh screen was used for board production. The optimal conditions were determined by different mixing ratios of UF with water and varying the pressing pressure. The undersized fibers and optimized board were characterized in terms of surface morphology. Moreover, the mechanical properties of fiberboards were also studied. Results showed that fiberboard was optimal at a press pressure of 640 kPa. It yielded an internal bond (IB) of 2.85±0.43 MPa, modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 3008±228.69 MPa, and modulus of rupture (MOR) of 22.25±2.61 MPa. These were compared against properties of commercial MDF based on American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications (IB≥0.6 MPa, MOE≥2500 MPa, and MOR≥22 MPa). Hence, these results proved that the optimized fiberboard has high potential for commercial application in the automotive industry.