Paraffins of different chain length as swelling agents in medium-density fiberboards

The influence of chain length and amount of paraffins on the thickness swelling, water absorption and internal bond of MDF was assessed. Pronounced differences in the sizing efficiency of paraffins with different chain length were found. On using 0.1% paraffin ( based on dried fibres) sizing efficiency increases between C-20 and C-28. Higher paraffin content (> 0.25%) has an insignificant influence on the swelling behaviour of MDF. Preliminary results indicate that addition of 0.5... 1.0% of the tested paraffins seems to improve the internal bonding strength of the MDF.