Philippine E-Journals

Medium density fiberboards were fabricated using a dry, batchprocess containing various proportions of waste feather fibers bonded withisocyanate-based resin, and overlaid with Acacia mangium Willd Veneers.Physical and mechanical properties of fabricated boards were determinedfollowing standard procedures of the American Society for Testing andMaterials. Results of the study showed that increasing isocyanate contentfrom 12.5% to 50% and overlaying the chicken feather fiberboards with Acaciamangium veneers improved the stiffness (modulus of elasticity) and strength(modulus of rupture). Similarly, improved dimensional stability as indicatedby lower thickness, swelling and reduction in water absorption were obtainedin boards containing isocyanate resin from 12.5% to 50%. Chicken featherfiberboards overlaid with Acacia mangium veneers and with 50% isocyanatecontent exceeded the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity values setby the American National Standard for MDF and the ANSI/AHA A135.4–1995 hardboard physical property requirements. Therefore, chicken feather fiberscould potentially be used as raw material for MDF and sandwich constructionwith isocyanate based adhesive as binder.