Effects of Post Heat-Treatment on Surface Characteristics and Adhesive Bonding Performance of Medium Density Fiberboard

A series of commercially manufactured medium density fiberboard (MDF) panels were exposed to a post-manufacture heat-treatment at various temperatures and durations using a hot press and just enough pressure to ensure firm contact between the panel and the press platens. Post-manufacture heat-treatment improved surface roughness of the exterior MDF panels. Panels treated at 225C for 30min had the smoothest surface while the roughest surface was found for the control panels. Wettability and the adhesive bonding strength between veneer sheet and panel surface were decreased as post-treatment press temperature increased. A significant relationship (R2=0.92) existed between contact angles and adhesive bond strength.