Development of fire retardant wood composite using amino resin

Abstract

Research on fire retardant wood and wood-based composites is being carried out worldwide for over a decade. Although many kinds of fire retardants for wood and wood-based composites have been studied, the focus is still mainly on compounds or mixtures containing phosphorus, nitrogen and boron, which can be used as aqueous solution. In this paper, fire retardant properties of particle board treated with boron and phosphorus chemicals are presented. Two methods were employed for the manufacture of fire retardant particle board using melamine urea formaldehyde resin either by treating the particles or by adding chemicals in the glue. The flame retardancy of the composites was studied by using limiting oxygen index test (LOI). The boards made were tested for flammability and rate of burning tests as per IS:5509. Physical and mechanical properties of the board were evaluated as per the standard IS:3087. It has been observed that the addition of flame retardant chemicals increased the LOI values. Samples were found showing time duration more than the required in the fire retardant test. The study indicates that the addition of fire retardant chemicals up to maximum of 2% on the weight of the particles in either glue composition or particle treatment would give excellent fire retardant properties without deteriorating the physical and mechanical properties of the boards depending on the chemicals used. Particle treatment method has shown better fire resistance and mechanical properties than the chemical incorporated in the glue.