Surface absorption, surface roughness, and formaldehyde emission of Turkish medium density fiberboard

Abstract

In this study, surface absorption, surface roughness, and formaldehyde emission of commercially manufactured medium density fiberboard from furnishes of oak (Querqus ithaburensis), beech (Fagus orientalis), pine (Pinus nigra), and a mixture of these species were investigated. Surface absorption and surface roughness of the samples were determined based on the European Standard EN 382-1 (1) and by using a fine stylus profilometer, respectively. It was found that the specimens made from oak furnish had the least surface absorption value (179.07 mm) while panels made from mixed furnish were the least absorbent. Surface roughness measurements based on three roughness parameters (average roughness (R-a), mean peak-to-valley height (R-z), and maximum roughness (R-max)) supported the above findings as the panels made from oak furnish had the roughest surface. Results revealed that as roughness of the samples increased, surface absorption characteristics decreased. Formaldehyde emission of the panels made from various species was also determined and species was not found to be a significant factor on formaldehyde emission values of the panels.