Physical and mechanical properties of medium density fiber board (MDF) fabricated from banana plant (Musa sapientum) stem and midrib

This study was under taken to identify the physical and mechanical properties of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) made from banana plant (Musa sapientum) and to evaluate the potential use of banana plant as a raw material of MDF. Two types of board were produced namely banana stem and mid rib of banana leaf MDF. Properties of both types of board compared with market MDF. Physical and mechanical properties were examined. The density of banana stem MDF, mid rib of banana leaf MDF and market MDF were respectively 0.78, 0.74 and 0.72 g/cm3. The MOR of banana stem MDF, mid rib of banana leaf MDF and market MDF was 50.91, 45.30 and 40.65 N/mm2, respectively. The MOE for banana stem MDF, mid rib of banana leaf MDF and market MDF was 3,939.25, 3,606.17 and 3,518.63 N/mm2, respectively. The physical and mechanical properties of the both types of board were better than market MDF. The both types of board follow the standard and it can be a good source of raw material for MDF industries. © 2014 Indian Academy of Wood Science.