Reinforcement of wood flour board containing ligno-cellulose nanofiber made from recycled wood

Abstract

Wood-based materials are widely used in residential construction. These materials can be made from virgin or recycled wood, and most of the materials are fabricated with chemical adhesives. Finding replacements for such chemical adhesives poses major challenges. This study explored nanofiber technology as an alternative to these adhesives. Previous studies have shown that the three-dimensional binding effects of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and ligno-cellulose nanofiber (LCNF), when mixed with wood flour, can significantly improve the physical and mechanical properties of wood flour board. We use the word “LCNF” as the surface nanofibrillated wood flour. Previous studies have also highlighted problems that occur during compounding and board manufacturing. In this study, a reliable method was established to mix wood flour and LCNF. The method involved a compounding machine, which facilitated board manufacturing safely. Physical and mechanical properties of the resulting wood flour boards were significantly improved with the addition of LCNF, due to close binding between LCNF and wood flour particles.