Physical and Mechanical Properties and Fire, Decay, and Termite Resistance of Treated Oriented Strandboard

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a number of chemicals on the physical and mechanical properties and fire, decay, and termite resistance of oriented strand board (OSB) panels. Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT), boric acid (BA), melamine phosphate (MP), and a BA/DOT mixture were sprayed onto the furnish at varying concentrations. The panels were tested for thickness swell, eater absorption, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond strength according to the procedures defined by ASTMD 1037. All treated panels, except those treated with BA/DOT, were found to comply with CSA 0437 requirements for mechanical properties at a 2 percent concentration level. However, thickness swell and water absorption values were higher compared to CSA 0437 standard values. Laboratory decay tests showed that treated OSB specimens were well protected from both a brown-rot fungus (Fomitopsis palustris) and a white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor). Weight losses in MP-treated OSB specimens were higher than those in boron-treated specimens. However, increased MP content caused a decrease in weight loss. In termite tests, BA and DOT were more effective than MP against Coptotermes formosanus. Contrary to decay test results, OSB specimens containing higher MP concentrations showed lower resistance against termite attack. In a limited series of cone calorimeter tests, treatments did not substantially improve the fire performance of OSB. Of the treatments studied, the highest retention of BA and BA/DOT provided some improvement in fire performance. DOT also provided some improvement but it was not commensurate with the amount of chemical added.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA439379

Entities

People

  • Jerrold E. Winandy
  • Nadir Ayrilmis
  • Robert H. White
  • S. N. Kartal
  • Theodore L. Laufenberg

Organizations

  • United States Department of Agriculture

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Body Weight
  • Boric Acids
  • Boron Compounds
  • Combustion
  • Fires
  • Fungi
  • Heat Of Combustion
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Moisture Content
  • Payload
  • Physical Properties
  • Resistance
  • Standards
  • Test Methods
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Forest Ecology
  • Materials Science and Engineering.