Effect of tall oil-based hydrophobic emulsions on the mechanical and water-related properties of high-density fibreboards

This study unravelled the intricacy of bio-based hydrophobic formulae as a substitute for the conventional emulsified paraffin wax (hydrowax), a hydrophobic additive currently utilised in high-density fibreboard (HDF) fabrication. Utilisation of hydrowax is not a sustainable practice due to the potential depletion of its fossil-based sources. The industrial acceptability of a renewable hydrophobic additive depends on several stages of trials. Therefore, through a pilot-scale trial, this study explored the substitution effect of bio-based tall oil distillation product (TODP) in the HDF panels, establishing its mechanical and water-related properties. While the mechanical properties of the panels were not primarily influenced by the TODP-based formula, the water-related properties of the HDF panels produced with 1% TODP were significantly better than the control panels. Additionally, the TODP exhibits superior mechanical and hydrophobic properties compared to the panels made with hydrowax. The ANOVA results further corroborate that TODP 1 at a 1% inclusion rate is the most significant formula. The types and concentrations of TODP are key factors influencing the performance of bio-based hydrophobic additives in HDF panels. Therefore, the present research supports the development of a sustainable hydrophobic bio-additive by determining the water-resistance and mechanical properties of TODP in HDF production.