Investigation of technological properties of medium density fiberboards (MDF) produced with addition of magnesium and boron compounds

In this study, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) panels were produced by incorporating magnesium- and boron-containing compounds into the resin, and changes in the properties of these panels were determined. Magnesium compounds were prepared both individually and in combination with zinc borate, boric acid, and sodium perborate tetrahydrate, then mixed into urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive for MDF production. After production, the effects of these chemicals on certain mechanical, physical, combustion-thermal, and surface properties of the MDF samples were tested and analyzed. The results indicated that the type of chemical compound and mixtures used had an impact on the investigated properties of the MDF samples. As a result of this study, the application of magnesium compounds either alone or in combination with boron positively influenced the studied properties of the MDF panels. With the addition of these chemicals to the resin, improvements were observed in the mechanical, physical, and surface properties of the board samples, while their fire resistance increased and thermal conductivity values varied.