Search Results (81)

The integration of acoustic emission (AE) signals into adaptive control systems for CNC wood milling represents a promising advancement in intelligent manufacturing. This study investigated the feasibility of using AE signals for the real-time monitoring and control of CNC milling processes, focusing on medium-density fiberboard (MDF) as the workpiece material. AE signals were captured using dual-channel sensors during side milling on a five-axis CNC machine, and their characteristics were analyzed across varying spindle speeds and feed rates. The results showed that AE signals were sensitive to changes in machining parameters, with higher spindle speeds and feed rates producing increased signal amplitudes and distinct frequency peaks, indicating enhanced cutting efficiency. The statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between AE signal magnitude and cutting conditions. However, limitations related to material variability, sensor configuration, and the narrow range of process parameters restrict the broader applicability of the findings. Despite these constraints, the results support the use of AE signals for adaptive control in wood milling, offering potential benefits such as improved machining efficiency, extended tool life, and predictive maintenance capabilities. Future research should address signal variability, tool wear, and sensor integration to enhance the reliability of AE-based control systems in industrial applications. Full article

Recycling wood-based panels is essential for promoting the cascading use of wood, advancing the transition to a circular economy, and maximizing the efficient use of natural resources. While recycling particleboard has become a well-established industrial practice, recycling medium density fiberboard (MDF) panels presents challenges, particularly in preserving material quality. The aim of this research work was to investigate and evaluate the combined effect of recycled MDF fibers and urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin content on the performance characteristics of the panels. MDF recycling was conducted using hydrothermal hydrolysis and hammer mill refinement. Preliminary experiments revealed that the degradation of properties in recycled MDF panels is not uniform with the addition of recycled fibers. The panels retained their properties significantly with up to 20% recycled fiber content, while formaldehyde emissions decreased by 1.2%. Based on these findings, the optimization of recycled fiber and UF resin content was performed, revealing that the maximum allowable recycled fiber content through hydrothermal hydrolysis and hammer mill refinement is 24%, with a minimum UF resin content of 12%. This study highlights the potential for integrating recycled MDF fibers into new panels, contributing to more sustainable production practices. By optimizing the balance between recycled fiber content and UF resin, it is possible to produce MDF panels that meet industry standards while reducing the environmental impact. Full article

Wood-based panels (WBPs) have versatile structural applications and are a suitable alternative to plastic panels and metallic materials. They have appropriate strength parameters that provide the required stiffness and strength for furniture products and construction applications. WBPs are usually processed by cutting, milling and drilling. Especially in the furniture industry, the accuracy of processing is crucial for aesthetic reasons. Ensuring the WBP surface’s high quality in the production cycle is associated with the appropriate selection of processing parameters and tools adapted to the specificity of the processed material (properties of wood, glue, type of resin and possible contamination). Therefore, expert assessment of the durability of WBPs is difficult. The interest in the automatic monitoring of cutting tools in sustainable production, according to the concept of Industry 4.0, is constantly growing. The use of flexible automation in the machining of WBPs is related to the provision of tools monitoring the state of tool wear and surface quality. Drilling is the most common machining process that prepares panels for assembly operations and directly affects the surface quality of holes and the aesthetic appearance of products. This paper aimed to synthesize research findings across Medium-Density Fiberboards (MDFs), particleboards and oriented strand boards (OSBs), highlighting the impact of processing parameters and identifying areas for future investigation. This article presents the research trend in the adoption of the new general methodological assumptions that allow one to define both the drill condition and delamination monitoring in the drilling of the most commonly used wood-based boards, i.e., particleboards, MDFs and OSBs. Full article

Sanding in medium-density fiberboard (MDF) often encounters unstable quality and premature failure, primarily because there is currently no abrasive belt specifically suitable for MDF sanding characteristics. We designed two precision-shaped abrasive belts (PSAs) for MDF and herein report on the characteristics. The material removal process for PSA was divided into three phases; the most stable, phase II, represents the effective working period. Compared to the contrast accumulated abrasive belt, PSAs achieve 16.12 and 11.10 times higher surface quality based on the mean value of roughness parameter S_a, achieving 1.34- and 2.0-, and 15.61- and 8.54-times-higher stability in material removal and surface quality based on the mean deviation. Wear patterns on PSAs include large abrasive wear, micro-abrasive fall-off, fracture, and wear, avoiding premature failure due to blockage and promoting long-term and efficient sanding. The uniform shape, height, and distribution of particles in PSAs results in excellent sanding performance. This study provides the foundation for further research on sanding mechanisms and PSA design for MDF. Full article

Many factors (material properties, drill bit type and size, drill bit wear, drilling parameters used, and machine-tool characteristics) affect the efficiency of the drilling process, which could be quantified through the delamination factor, thrust force, and drilling torque. To find the optimal combination among the factors that affect the desired responses during drilling of wood-based composites, various modelling techniques could be applied. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied to predict and optimize the delamination factor at the inlet and outlet, thrust force, and drilling torque during drilling of prelaminated particleboards, medium- density fiberboard (MDF), and plywood. The artificial neural networks were used to design four models—one for each analyzed response. The coefficient of determination (R²) during the validation phase of designed ANN models was among 0.39 and 0.96. The response surface methodology was involved to reveal the individual influence of analyzed factors on the drilling process and also to figure out the optimum combination of factors. The regression equations obtained an R² among 0.88 and 0.99. The material type affects mostly the delamination factor. The thrust force is mostly influenced by the drill type. The chipload has a significant effect on the drilling torque. A twist drill with a tip angle equal to 30° and a chipload of 0.1 mm/rev. could be used to efficiently drill the analyzed wood-based composites. Full article

This study investigates the influence of various tool coatings, cutting speeds, and feed per tooth values on cutting forces during the CNC milling of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). The coatings tested include reference, TripleSi, Hyperlox, DLC, and lapped coatings. Experiments were conducted using an SCM Morbidelli m100 CNC milling machine under controlled conditions. Cutting speeds were set at 8, 10, and 12 m/s, while feed per tooth values were varied at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm. Cutting forces were measured using a three-axis piezoelectric dynamometer Kistler, and the data were analyzed to determine the impact of these variables on cutting performance. The results revealed that while cutting speed had a minimal effect on cutting forces, feed per tooth significantly influenced them, with higher values of feed per tooth leading to increased forces. Among the coatings, lapped and TripleSi exhibited the lowest cutting forces, whereas DLC showed the highest. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and Scheffé tests, confirmed the significant differences between the coatings and highlighted the superior performance of the lapped and TripleSi coatings in reducing cutting forces. Full article

No matter where we reside, the issue of greenhouse gas emissions impacts us all. Their influence has a disastrous effect on the earth’s climate, producing global warming and many other irreversible environmental impacts, even though it is occasionally invisible to the independent eye. Phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release heat when it is abundant during the day (e.g., from solar radiation), for use at night, or on chilly days when buildings need to be heated. As a consequence, buildings use less energy to heat and cool, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, research on thermally active medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with PCMs is presented in this work. MDF is useful for interior design and furniture manufacturing. The boards were created using pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and spruce (Picea abies L.) fibers, urea–formaldehyde resin, and PCM powder, with a phase transition temperature of 22 °C, a density of 785 kg m⁻³, a latent heat capacity of 160 kJ kg⁻¹, a volumetric heat capacity of 126 MJ m⁻³, a specific heat capacity of 2.2 kJ kgK⁻¹, a thermal conductivity of 0.18 W mK⁻¹, and a maximum operating temperature of 200 °C. Before resination, the wood fibers were divided into two outer layers (16%) and an interior layer (68% by weight). Throughout the resination process, the PCM particles were solely integrated into the inner layer fibers. The mats were created by hand. A hydraulic press (AKE, Mariannelund, Sweden) was used to press the boards, and its operating parameters were 180 °C, 20 s/mm of nominal thickness, and 2.5 MPa for the maximum unit pressing pressure. Five variants of MDF with a PCM additive were developed: 0%, 5%, 10%, 30%, and 50%. According to the study, scores at the MOR, MOE, IB, and screw withdrawal resistance (SWR) tests decreased when PCM content was added, for example, MOE from 3176 to 1057 N mm⁻², MOR from 41.2 to 11.5 N mm⁻², and IB from 0.78 to 0.27 N mm⁻². However, the results of the thickness swelling and water absorption tests indicate that the PCM particles do not exhibit a substantial capacity to absorb water, retaining the dimensional stability of the MDF boards. The thickness swelling positively decreased with the PCM content increase from 15.1 to 7.38% after 24 h of soaking. The panel’s thermal characteristics improved with the increasing PCM concentration, according to the data. The density profiles of all the variations under consideration had a somewhat U-shaped appearance; however, the version with a 50% PCM content had a flatter form and no obvious layer compaction on the panel surface. Therefore, certain mechanical and physical characteristics of the manufactured panels can be enhanced by a well-chosen PCM addition. Full article

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) waste generation has increased steadily over the past decades, and therefore, the investigation of novel methods to recycle this waste is very important. The potential of repurposing MDF waste as an adsorbent for the treatment of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions in water was investigated using MDF offcuts. The highest adsorption potential in single-metal ion solution systems was observed for Pb(II) ions. The experimental data of Pb(II) ions fit well with the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Complexation and electrostatic interactions were identified as the adsorption mechanisms. The adsorption behavior of multi-metal ion adsorption systems was investigated by introducing Cd(II) ions as a competitive metal ion. The presence of the Cd(II) ions reduced the adsorption potential of Pb(II) ions, yet the preference for the Pb(II) ions remained. Regeneration studies were performed by using 0.1 M HCl as a regeneration agent for both systems. Even though a significant amount of adsorbed metal ions were recovered, the adsorption potential of the MDF was reduced in the subsequent adsorption cycles. Based on these results, MDF fines have the potential to be used as an economical adsorbent for remediation of wastewater containing heavy metal ions. Full article

The effective and comprehensive utilization of forest resources has become the theme of the global “dual-carbon strategy”. Forestry restructured wood is a kind of wood-based panel made of wood-based fiber composite material by high-temperature and high-pressure restructuring–molding, and has become an important material in the field of construction, furniture manufacturing, as well as derivative processing for its excellent physical and mechanical properties, decorative properties, and processing performance. Taking Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) as the recombinant material as the research object, an event-triggered synergetic control mechanism based on interventional three-way decision making is proposed for the viscoelastic multi-field coupling-distributed agile control of the “fixed thickness section” in the MDF continuous flat-pressing process, where some typical quality control problems of complex plate shape deviations including thickness, slope, depression, and bump tend to occur. Firstly, the idea of constructing the industrial event information of continuous hot pressing based on information granulation is proposed, and the information granulation model of the viscoelastic plate shape process mechanism is established by combining the multi-field coupling effect. Secondly, an FMEA-based cyber granular method for diagnosing and controlling the plate thickness diagnosis and control failure information expression of continuous flat pressing is proposed for the problems of plate thickness control failure and plate thickness deviation defect elimination that are prone to occur in the continuous flat-pressing process. The precise control of the plate thickness in the production process is realized based on event-triggered control to achieve the intelligent identification and processing of the various types of faults. The application test is conducted in the international mainstream production line of a certain type of continuous hot-pressing equipment for the production of 18 mm plate thickness; the synergistic effect is basically synchronized after 3 s, the control accuracy reaches 30%, and the average value of the internal bond strength is 1.40, which ensures the integrity of the slab. Practical tests show that the method in the actual production is feasible and effective, with detection and control accuracy of up to ±0.05 mm, indicating that in the production of E0- and E1-level products, the rate of superior products can reach more than 95%. Full article

A novel pretreatment strategy utilizing a combination of NaOH and 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) was proposed to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of abandoned Medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The synergistic effect of NaOH and [Bmim]Cl pretreatment significantly improved the glucose yield, reaching 445.8 mg/g within 72 h, which was 5.04 times higher than that of the untreated samples. The working mechanism was elucidated according to chemical composition, as well as FTIR, ¹³C NMR, XRD, and SEM analyses. The combined effects of NaOH and [Bmim]Cl led to lignin degradation, hemicellulose removal, the destruction and erosion of crystalline regions, pores, and an irregular microscopic morphology. In addition, by comparing the enzymatic hydrolysis sugar yield and elemental nitrogen content of untreated MDF samples, eucalyptus, and hot mill fibers (HMF), it was demonstrated that the presence of adhesives and additives in waste MDF significantly influences its hydrolysis process. The sugar yield of untreated MDF samples (88.5 mg/g) was compared with those subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment (183.2 mg/g), Ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment (406.1 mg/g), and microwave-assisted ionic liquid pretreatment (MWI) (281.3 mg/g). A long water bath pretreatment can reduce the effect of adhesives and additives on the enzymatic hydrolysis of waste MDF. The sugar yield produced by the combined pretreatment proposed in this study and the removal ability of adhesives and additives highlight the great potential of our pretreatment technology in the recycling of waste fiberboard. Full article

The wood-based panel industry is experiencing an excessive accumulation of solid residues from the production of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels and moldings. It is possible to create new MDF products with acceptable physical and mechanical properties by revaluing MDF residues. Additionally, those products’ thermal properties can be improved by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs). This study aims to develop a wood-based fiberboard made of MDF residues, capable of storing thermal energy. Two types of PCMs (liquid and microencapsulated), two PCM ratios (2% and 6%), and two types of adhesives (urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde) were used to produce eight different types of panels. The vertical density profile, thickness swelling, water absorption, internal bond (IB), and static bending properties—modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR)—were determined for each panel type. The specific heat of the panels was also determined. The results show the panels’ densities were greater than 700 kg/m³. Thickness swelling in water improved by 23% compared to the reference value of the control panel PCMs after PCM incorporation. The highest IB value was 1.30 MPa, which is almost three times the minimum required by regulation standards. The incorporation of PCMs reduced the panels’ bending properties compared to the properties of the control panels. Even though the values obtained are sufficient to comply with the minimum values set out in ANSI standard A208.2 with an MOE value of 2072.4 MPa and the values obtained are sufficient to comply with the minimum standards with an MOE value of 2072.4 MPa and an MOR value of 16.4 MPa, when microencapsulated PCM is used, the specific heat of the panels is increased by more than 100% over that of the control panels. This study developed fiberboards with adequate physical and mechanical properties and capable of storing thermal energy. Full article

Many fields of human activity benefit from the ability to create images of obscured objects placed behind walls and to map their displacement in a noninvasive way. Usually, imaging devices like Synthetic Aperture Radars (SARs) and Ground-Penetrating Radars (GPRs) use expensive dedicated electronics which results in prohibitive prices. This paper presents the experimental implementation and the results obtained from an imaging system capable of performing SAR imaging and interferometric displacement mapping of targets located behind walls, as well as 3D GPR imaging using a low-cost general-purpose radar sensor. The proposed solution uses for the RF section of the system a K-band microwave radar sensor module implementing Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) operation. The low-cost sensor was originally intended for simple presence detection and ranging for domestic applications. The proposed system was tested in several scenarios and proved to operate as intended for a fraction of the cost of a commercial imaging device. In one scenario, it was able to detect and locate a 15 cm-diameter fire-extinguisher located at a distance of 3.5 m from the scanning system and 1.6 m behind a 3 cm-thick MDF (medium-density fiberboard) wall with cm-level accuracy. In a second test, the proposed system was used to perform interferometric displacement measurements, and it was capable of determining the displacement of a metal case with sub-millimeter accuracy. In a third experiment, the system was used to construct a 3D image of the inside of a wood table with cm-level resolution. Full article

This paper tackles the issue of moisture variation in wood-based materials, explicitly focusing on melamine-coated particleboard (hereafter referred to as melamine) and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) used in the third phase of wood industry transformation. The approach involves a comprehensive strategy for predicting moisture content variation, incorporating numerical simulation, experimental testing, and the application of artificial neural network (ANN) technology to enhance accuracy in furniture manufacturing. The developed ANN models are tailored to predict moisture content changes under specific thermal comfort conditions. Remarkably, these models demonstrate high precision, with an average error margin of only 1.40% for 8% moisture content (MC) and 2.85% for 12% MC in melamine, as well as 1.42% for 8% MC and 2.25% for 12% MC in MDF. These levels of precision surpass traditional models, emphasizing this study’s novelty and practical relevance to the industrial context. The findings indicate that ANN models adapt to diverse environmental conditions, presenting a robust tool for optimizing moisture management in wood-based materials. This research contributes valuable insights for improving the reliability and efficiency of moisture content predictions in the wood industry. Full article

This paper develops a technology for manufacturing a biocomposite using post-production wood waste as filler, but also as an alternative material that can substitute traditional composites. Three types of post-production wood waste, i.e., ash wood chips, oak chips and medium-density wood fiberboard (MDF), were used in this study. Three different biocomposites were produced for each of these materials, differing in the content of waste to polymer. The biodegradable and compostable bioplastic Mater-Bi (CF05S) was obtained using the pioneering proprietary technologies of Novamont company using starches, cellulose, vegetable oils and their combinations. Mater-Bi was used as the matrix of the composite, which, due to its chemical composition, allows the production of fully biodegradable composites. The physicochemical properties, such as static tensile, impact, water absorption and hardness, were investigated. The results provide the basis for a detailed analysis of the properties of the biocomposites and made it possible to accurately determine their properties. The results show that the optimal solution is the Mater-Bi biocomposite with 20 wt.% oak filler content, which shows the most favorable adhesion strength and water absorption. The research conducted here is in the context of issues related to sustainability and a circular economy, through waste management, as well as through the production of biodegradable construction products. Full article

This research work is focused on the development of an alternative method for manufacturing Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) panels based on Wood Veneers (WVs) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) through compression molding, which enhances the physical properties, particularly, water absorption and moisture content. The aim of the present research was to develop alternative panels to replace commercial ones, which are heavily affected by hot, humid climates. In this context, the study began with the design process, which consisted of the collection and processing of primary material, production of the additional components necessary for the manufacturing process, determination of the WV ratio, and preparation of the samples. Thereafter, physical and mechanical tests were carried out on WPC, HDPE (control), commercial gypsum boards (GBs), plywood (PW), and medium density fiberboard (MDF) samples. The results indicate that the method applied to manufacture the WPC samples improved physical properties, achieving a water uptake of less than 4% in both proportions of replacement tested, in contrast to commercial panels, which reached values between 10% and 40%. In addition, a greater load capacity was achieved for lower thick elements. Full article