Effects of different nanoclay loadings on the physical and mechanical properties of Melia composita particle board

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of adding a filler of nano-sized particles of Cloisite Na+ (nanoclay) to urea-formaldehyde resin on the physical and mechanical properties of particle boards made with this resin. Cloisite Na+ was introduced at rates of 2%, 4% and 6% of the dry mass of the resin. Density, water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bond strength (IB) were measured to evaluate the performance of the boards. Significant improvements were observed for TS, MOR and MOE when Cloisite Na+ was added to the resin. More specifically, in samples bonded with UF resin and 6% nanoclay, 34% and 65% increases were observed in MOR and MOE respectively compared to the control boards.