Effects of different nanoclay loadings on the physical and mechanical properties of Melia composita particle board

This study investigated the effects of adding a filler of nano-sized particles of Cloisite Na+ (nanoclay) to urea-formaldehyde resin on the physical and mechanical properties of particle boards made with this resin. Cloisite Na+ was introduced at rates of 2%, 4% and 6% of the dry mass of the resin. Density, water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bond stren- gth (IB) were measured to evaluate the performance of the boards. Significant improvements were observed for TS, MOR and MOE when Cloisite Na+ was added to the resin. More specifically, in samples bonded with UF resin and 6% nanoclay, 34% and 65% increases were observed in MOR and MOE respectively compared to the control boards.