Reduction of residual stresses in medium density fibreboard - Part 1. Taguchi analysis

This paper demonstrates how the Taguchi method of experimental design can b e utilised to investigate methods for relieving the residual stresses prese nt in medium density ftbreboard (MDF). Panels have been subjected to heat, moisture and pressure, and after equilibration to room conditions, the chan ges in residual stresses through various layers have been measured using th e dissection method. The application of heat and/or moisture has reduced th e magnitude of residual stresses while generally the application of pressur e has no effect on these stresses. The subsequent paper in this series uses Taguchi analysis to investigate how other board properties such as thickne ss swell, internal bond strength, surface layer tensile modulus and surface layer tensile strength are affected by the different treatment methods.