From Wheat Straw to High-Value Composites
Principal Investigator |
Dr. Marie-Pierre G. Laborie |
Completion Date |
January 14, 2006 |
Mission |
Developing the technology to produce straw-based medium density fiberboards to reduce the need for field burning while developing alternative and high value uses for wheat straw. |
Problem Addressed
Wheat straw composites have been manufactured with isocyanate adhesives which are expensive and therefore do not allow for economical competitiveness of those composites compared to wood composites. This project attempts to develop the technology of wheat straw composites using urea-formaldehyde adhesives, a much more economical adhesive which up to this point has not been successfully used to bond wheat substrates.
Goal
The project aims at developing a technology for the production of straw-based Medium Density Fiberboards (MDF) with Urea-formaldehyde adhesives.
Implications
If a technology can be developed that allows for the use of wheat straw and UF resins in the manufacture of MDF composites, then these products would have economical advantages over their wood-based counterpart. With the high availability of straw residues in the Northwest, this high value alternative to field burning would generate income and permit a cleaner environment.
Procedures
- The approach consisted of pre-treating the straw to circumvent the issues that prevent good bonding of UF resins with straw. Specifically, treatments have been attempted to eliminate the waxy cuticle of the straw and also to eliminate the high silica.
- With disc refining of water soaked straw, MDF composites could be manufactured with UF resins and the mechanical properties of the product were all above the requirements for MDF in interior applications. Yet, the water swelling values were still higher than those required by the standard and therefore further attempts at modifying the resin with wax need to be performed.
Publications/Journal Articles From Project
Publications in refereed journal articles, as well as paper presentations at professional meetings of economists will be pursued.