Mechanical properties of medium density fiberboard reinforced with metal and woven synthetic nets

This research was planned to study the influence of reinforcement with metal and woven synthetic nets on the mechanical properties of medium density fiberboard (MDF). Sample boards were manufactured according to common practice. However, reinforcements were placed in the boards at one fourth of their thicknesses. Urea formaldehyde resin was used in the boards. However, some metal nets were embedded in an epoxy resin prior to board manufacture. Bending and tensile strengths were determined according to ASTM D 1037-99, impact load resistance according to ASTM D 256-04 and board’s creep according to ASTM D 6815-02. Results revealed that bending properties (MOE and MOR), tensile strength and impact load resistance were significantly increased due to the reinforcement. Boards reinforced with thin metal nets showed the highest MOR as 105% increase; while the highest MOE and impact load resistance were determined in the boards reinforced by thick metal nets, which were embedded primarily in the epoxy resin as 112% and 79%, respectively. The highest tensile strength was also determined in boards reinforced by thick metal nets. Boards reinforced by woven synthetic nets showed lower strengths than those of the metal nets.