EFFECTS OF WOLLASTONITE ON THE PROPERTIES OF MEDIUM-DENSITY FIBERBOARD (MDF) MADE FROM WOOD FIBERS AND CAMEL-THORN

The effects of wollastonite fibers on the physical and mechanical properties of medium-density fiberboards composed of wood fibers with up to 10 % camel-thorn chips were studied. Approximately 30 % of the wollastonite fibers were less than 100 nm while the remainder were less than 1 mu m. Wollastonite fibers significantly improved most of the physical and mechanical properties while addition of camel-thorn produced more variable effects on panel properties. Up to 10 % camel-thorn could be added to panels without negative effects. A combination of 10% camel-thorn and 5% wollastonite fibers produced panels with the best properties.