Effect of Nano-Silane on Permeability in MDF as a Result of Susceptibility to Moulds and Fungi

IRG/WP 16-40716

H R Taghiyari, J Norton, A Moradiyan, M Sadegh Taher Tolou Del, H Siahposht, B Moradi-Malek, M Noferesti

Effects were studied of vapor chamber on specific gas permeability of nanosilane-treated medium-density fiberboards (MDF). Size range of nanoparticles was 20 – 80 nm. Nano-silane (NS) was used at four consumption levels of 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/kg dry wood fibers. Density of all treatments was kept constant at 0.67 g/cm3. Specimens were kept for 18 weeks in vaporized chamber; their specific gas permeability was measured every two weeks. Results showed that extreme moisture uptake due to the biological structure of wood fibers, as well as mold and fungi growth on the specimens from the tenth weeks, resulted in the breaking down of the urea-formaldehyde resin; they also weakened the water-repellant effect of NS; consequently, the permeability increased significantly. It can be concluded that NS makes MDF susceptible to molds and therefore NS-treated MDF panels are not recommended for moist climates in which boards are exposed to water vapors in the air for a long time.


Keywords: biological structure of wood, composite-board, Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF), nanotechnology, permeability, vapor chamber, water repellant, silane

Conference: 16-05-15/19 Lisbon, Portugal


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