A study of new type Medium Density Fiberboard based on plant fiber and corn viscose

A novel method for producing Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is described based on a combination of corn viscose as a binder and plant fibre as a reinforcement material. An analysis is undertaken on the use of plant fibre to replace wood as raw material to produce MDF. Two methods to make corn viscose are discussed, namely colorless viscose at cool water or quality viscose at normal temperature. A process, involving process flow to produce MDF using the novel techniques outlined is proposed. Bending and compression tests indicate the relative quality of the new type of MDF. Results indicate that the new form of MDF does not release any formaldehyde and that it passes the E1 standard. It may be concluded that the new MDF is a relatively environmentally safer product.