Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

An Introduction and a Review of Related Literature

The global occurrence of wood-based lignocellulosic fibre is still adequate and

there is today no general fiber shortage or crises. Yet at the same time, we have some

regional deficiency of wood-based fibers. Industrial demand of proper wood based raw

materials is critical in several Asian countries. The strong economic growth in Asia has

contributed to increased demand of wood-based raw materials. The strong economic

growth in Asia has contributed to increased demand of wood-based raw materials.Wood-

based biomass is becoming more restricted and expensive for producers of pulp & paper,

bio-energy, lumber, and wood-based composite fibreboards. Moreover, the increasing

environmental awareness and concerns of the health of forests, wildlife diversity, biomass

productivity, climate, and the biological sink directs research to alternative fibre recourses.

Annual plant materials are promising candidates for alternative lignocellulosic fibre

composites. Several annual plant fibres such as flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, bagasse, corn, and

bamboo have been the subject of extensive research for the manufacture of non-wood

particle and fibreboards (Rowell, 1996; Youngqvist et al., 1996; Rowell and Rowell, 1997;

Hague et al., 1998; Rowell, 2001).

MDF is an extremely versatile building product, chosen for its strength, affordability,

durability, and consistency. An engineered material, made by breaking down hardwood or

softwood residuals into fine particles, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and
pressing it with high temperature, it’s commonly used in many home and professional

projects, including: Furniture, cabinets and shelves, flooring, decorative projects, speaker

boxes, wainscoting, doors and door frames, tradeshow booths and theater set construction.

From old times tree leaves were used for housing insulation. In the 20th century

due to the development of industrialization, many different types of heat insulation

materials were developed that contained chemically derived ingredients. The studies of

recent years have shown that they adversely affect the human organism in long-term. It is

very difficult and expensive to recycle them, that is why accumulation of hazardous waste

appears. In the 21-st century, attention has been paid mostly to the development of new

ecologically clean heat insulation materials.

A leaf is made of many layers that are sandwiched between two layers of tough

skin cells (called the epidermis). The epidermis also secretes a waxy substance called the

cuticle. These layers protect the leaf from insects, bacteria, and other pests. Leaves are very

useful in many ways. Most famous use of leaves are teas, but, when leaves got dried up,

they are considered useless. That is why dried leaves is chosen to be the main component,

and since it is also part of trees, and not hard to obtain.

In this thesis the manufacture of non-wood high-performance (MDF/HDF) is

investigated on dry leaves. Different types of adhesives, ureaformaldehyde (UF),

melamine-modified urea-formaldehyde resins (MUF), and phenol formaldehyde.

Statement of the Problem

1. What is the difference between Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) made of dry

leaves to a regular fiberboard in the market in terms of:

1.1 Strength

1.2 Cost

1.3 Durability

1.4 Resistance in water

1.5 Weight

1.6 Sustainability

2. How can the MDF made of dry leaves be used in construction field?

Hypotheses

 Dried leaves as an alternative material of MDF are useful and 100% effective.

 The MDF made of dried leaves cannot be easily broken.

 Dried leaves are more effective than other substitute raw material.

Scope and Limitations

The main focus of this study is to maximize the use of dried leaves and produce

medium density fiberboard out of it. As reflected in the title, this study establishes the idea

of making MDF that is ecology friendly and with low production cost. The researchers will

only gather three (3) different kinds of fallen dried leaves at the Nueva Ecija University of

Science and Technology – Sumacab Campus. The results of this study are rather expected

to be useful, as to contribute to the future researches and in construction industry.

Significance of the study

We, the people living in society are the ones who will definitely gain convenience

in our study. Also, the animals, plants and other living things in this world will also benefit

in our chosen study. This investigatory project assesses the possibility of producing a board

or medium density fiberboard from the fallen dried leaves of trees. Thus, if this study will

be found positive, it would be significant to the following:

 Community – The community can also benefit from this study because the

utilization of waste leaves will reduce the amount of solid waste in the campus and

saves the immediate communities from danger of flooding during heavy rains.

 Construction Industry –

 Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – can also benefit from

this study because many trees will no longer be cut for the production of MDF but

instead be preserved for the future generations

 Economy – The economy can benefit from this study because producing medium

density fiberboard (MDF) from dried leaves is easy and entrepreneurs will sell the

product which can help in boosting the economic growth

Definition of Terms

Cost – an amount that has to be paid or spent to buy or obtain something.

Dried – preserved by removal or evaporation of moisture.

Durability – ability to undergo permanent deformation without cracking or

fracturing.
 Fiberboard – a building material made of wood or other plant fibers compressed

into boards.

Leaves – one of the expanded, usually green organs borne by the stem of a plant.

Medium Density Fiberboard – is generally denser than plywood.

Resistance in water – does not allow water to pass through it easily, or is not easily

damaged by water.

Strength – the capacity of an object or substance to windstand great force or

pressure.

Sustainability – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

Weight – the quality of being heavy.

References:

Hague, J., McLauchlin, A., Quinney, R., 1998. Agri-materials for panel products: A

technical assessment of their viability. 32nd International Particleboard/Composite

Materials, Symposium Proceedings, pp. 151-159.

Rowell, R.M., 1996. Composites from agri-based resources. In: Falk, R.H. (Ed.), Use of

Recycled Wood and Paper in Building Applications Conference, Madison, Wi, pp. 217-

222.

Rowell, R.M., 2001. Performance driven composites from lignocellulosic resources.

COMAT 2001 Mar Del Plata Argentina 10 -12 December, International Conference on

Sience and Technology of Composite Materials, pp. 29-32.

Rowell, R.M., Han, J.S., Rowell, J.S., 2000. Characterization and factors effecting fiber

properties. In: Frollini, E., Leão, A.L., Mattoso, L.H.C. (Eds.), Natural Polymers and

Agrofibres Composites., Embrapa Instrumentação Agropecuária São Carlos, Brazil, pp.

115-135.

Rowell, R.M., Rowell, J. (Eds.), 1997. Paper and Composites from Agro-Based Resources

1997 CRC Press, Inc., Madison, WI

Youngqvist, J.A., Krzysik, A.M., English, B.W., Spelter, H.N., Chow, P.,

1996.Agricultural fibres for use in building components. 123-134.

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