Utilization of nano silica as filler in plywood manufacturing

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Abstract

The effect of nano SiO2 and silane coupling agents on practical properties of plywood was investigated. After plywood production with layers of hornbeam wood (Carpinus betulus), physical and mechanical properties were analyzed. Variables were the type of silane coupling agent (vinyl tri methoxy silane and ?-amino propyl tri ethoxy silane), the amount of nano SiO2 (1% and 2%) and the amount of silane coupling agent (1% and 2%). The lowest water absorption and thickness swelling were observed in the case of boards produced with 1% treated nano SiO2 by 2% vinyl tri methoxy silane, and those with 1% treated nano SiO2 by 2% ?-amino propyl tri ethoxy silane had the highest bending strength and modulus of elasticity. The highest shear strength was found for the boards produced with 2% nano SiO2 treated by 1% vinyl tri methoxy silane. The results of this study revealed that utilization of nano SiO2 treated by silane coupling agent as filler for urea formaldehyde resin is effective in improving the physical and mechanical properties of plywood.

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