Influence of Resin Type and Flake Thickness on Properties of Osb (Oriented Strandboard ‪)‬

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between strand thickness and resin type within a 3-layer oriented strandboard to improve dimensional stability. A secondary objective was to study the impact that strand area has with two resin types. Variables studied were two strand thicknesses (432 and 635 mm), and two resin types (MDI and PF) both interacting with a face to core ratio of 1:1. All combinations of these variables were produced resulting in 16 panel varieties. Changing strand thickness resulted in limited improvement of dimensional stability and mechanical properties when compared to the impact of resin type and placement within the panel. PF as a surface resin and MDI as a core resin with thinner surface strands resulted in the lowest thickness swell results. This study found contradictory data surrounding interactions between face and core variables, as well as the importance of strand thickness in determining thickness swell.