Research Information System
Journal of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Gazi University, vol.33, no.3, pp.905-916, 2018 (SCI-Expanded)
Purpose: In this study, the usability of various agricultural wastes in our country as a new fiber source in the production of composite materials is discussed. The physical and mechanical properties of the fiber sheets produced by using the mixture of walnut shells and sunflower stalks with glass fiber added at different ratios were investigated and it was aimed to evaluate the agricultural wastes economically in production. Theory and Methods: Sunflower stalks and walnut shell which were supplied domestically and subjected to drying, size reduction and sieve analysis were mixed with glass fiber at different ratios. Phenol formaldehyde resin was added to these homogeneous mixtures at different ratios and the mixtures were pressed by hydraulic press at 160 oC and 100 bar pressure for 15 minutes. The temperature, pressure and time values used in the pressing process are the optimal values determined by the previous experiments. Physical (Thickness Swelling % and Water Absorption %) and mechanical properties (Bending Strength, Elasticity Modulus, Shearing Force, Hardness and Compression Strength) of the prepared composite sheets were determined using the relevant TS EN standards. In addition, topographic images of the sample surface was obtained with a scanning electron microscope in order to be able to visualize the microstructure in the prepared composite sheets. Results: It has been observed that the physical and mechanical properties of the fiberboard can vary depending on the type and amount of woody cellulosic raw materials used in the production of fiberboard, the ratio of resin, the homogeneity of mixing of resin and raw material and the pressing conditions. Conclusion: As a result, most fiber plates produced in this study show the desired values in the standards.. For this reason, it is possible that these agricultural wastes which are abundant in our country can be evaluated as an alternative raw material in the production of MDF. And also because of the improvement of the mechanical strength of plates produced with glass fiber, it has been demonstrated that it is possible to evaluate the production of agricultural wastes doped with glass fiber economically.