Abstract:

The objective of the project is to develop a new technology for the production of medium density fibreboard (MDF) using the fibres generated from waste composite panels (particleboard, fibreboard) and waste low-grade paper, as well as mixtures there of. A recently invented extrusion process will be employed for the treatment of waste panels with or without adding waste paper to generate fibres suitable for the production of MDF, meeting the requirements of the European standards. A further project objective is to reactivate the aminoplastic resin used for the bonding of waste panels in such a way as to enable reduction of the resin level needed to rebond the fibres produced by the extrusion technique. For comparative studies, waste particleboard, fibreboard and paper, as well as mixtures thereof, will be defibrated in a conventional refiner as commonly used in the MDF industry. On successful completion of the project, a novel recycling process will be available which will address the problem of disposal of waste composite panels (which mainly represent furniture parts) and waste paper, not appropriate for reuse in the paper industry.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Horst KERN / Georg-August-Universitaet Goettingen GERMANY

EC Scientific Officer

• Ciarán MANGAN / European Commission - DG Research Quality of Life Programme - Unit B1.2 / BELGIUM

Participant

• Effy MARKESSINI / Adhesives Research Institute Ltd / Marlit Ltd GREECE
• Ruediger DORN / Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung EV / GERMANY
• Alain COSTES / Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse FRANCE
• Valbopan Fibras de Madeira SA PORTUGAL