Effect of Resin and Wax on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Hardboard From Air-Laid Mats

Wax has long been used to improve physical and dimensional stability properties of hardboard. However, the value of adding wax to a composite must also consider the level of resin used. In this study, two levels of resin (6.5% and 11%) and three levels of wax (0%, 0.8%, and 1.6%) were applied to hemlock fiber. The fiber was converted into mats made on a nonwoven, air formed line. For all mats, the wood fiber was blended with 10% polyester fiber to provide strength. The mats were pressed into 3-mm-thick panels, cut into specimens, and tested for mechanical and physical properties. The results showed that increasing the levels of resin and wax had little effect on mechanical properties but did improve physical properties.