Effect of Maleic Anhydride Polypropylene Copolymer Addition on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate–Bonded Oriented Strand Board Panels

The effect of varying proportions of maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) on the physical and mechanical properties of polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI)–bonded oriented strand board panels was investigated. Additionally, two forms of MAPP (powder and emulsion) were used to determine the effect of MAPP type on panel properties. Panels were produced by combining southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) flakes with 4 percent pMDI binder and 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, or 6 percent powdered or emulsified MAPP. Addition of emulsified MAPP decreased panel mechanical properties regardless of addition level. Powdered MAPP had a negligible effect on panel modulus of elasticity and only produced significant decreases in panel modulus of rupture and internal bond strength at the highest addition level (6%). Emulsified MAPP effected greater reductions in panel mechanical properties relative to powdered MAPP. Increasing levels of emulsified MAPP caused undesirable increases in both 24-hour water absorption and thickness swelling. Powdered MAPP did not provide a significant improvement over control panels in water absorption and thickness swell tests. Addition of either powdered or emulsified MAPP appeared to have a negligible effect on panel permeance.