Authors: |
Cheng Piao, Todd F. Shupe, Chung Y. Hse |
Year: |
2006 |
Type: |
Scientific Journal |
Station: |
Southern Research Station |
Source: |
In: Recent Developments in Wood Composites: 28-40 |
Abstract
Hot pressing is an important step in the manufacture of wood composites. In the conventional pressing system, hot press output often acts as a constraint to increased production. Severe drying of the furnish (e.g., particles, flakes, or fibers) required by this process substantially increases the manufacturing cost and creates air-polluting emissions of volatile organic compounds, which are a main source of air pollution from the forest products industry. Wood composites made in the conventional process have high internal stress and low dimensional stability and strength. The development of a pressing technology to improve the process is limited by the release of vapor pressure during hot pressing. A perforated caul system may enlarge the area for the moisture to escape from the board mat during pressing, and thus, make possible high moisture content (MC) pressing.
Citation
Piao, Cheng; Shupe, Todd F.; Hse, Chung Y. 2006. Dynamic control of moisture during hot pressing of wood composites. In: Recent Developments in Wood Composites: 28-40