Improvements of Fibreboard Properties through Fibre Activation with Silane

Abstract
Thermomechanical pulp (MDF fibre) was reacted with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The adducts formed was mixed with urea formaldehyde (UF) resin followed by hot press. Well-conformed boards were produced by the process. Modified boards showed significant improvement in modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and water absorption. The total swelling performance of the modified boards was attributed to predominantly by irreversible swelling.