Abstract
A three-dimensional structural panel, called FPL Spaceboard, was developed at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory. Spaceboard panels have been formed using a variety of fibrous materials using either a wet- or dry-forming process. Geometrically, the panel departs from the traditional two-dimensional flat panel by integrally forming an array of perpendicular ribs and face in one structure. In the literature, significant work has been conducted to model drying of two-dimensional panels, but no known work has been done on such a three-dimensional structure. In order to optimise the drying efficiency and structural performance for this new panel, there is a need to understand the complex drying process that occurs within the panel. This paper is the second of several to discuss the modeling work. The model itself will be presented in a paper to be published. In this paper, internal temperatures, thickness, moisture content, drying rates, and mechanical properties as a function of time are presented for hardboard-like flat panels made from recycled and virgin paper fibre. The flat panel data will be used to help verify the more complex three-dimensional drying model being developed. The experimental conditions in this study are the same as used for the experimental drying of Spaceboard.
Keywords
Molded products,
Panels,
Drying methods,
Paper,
Recycling,
Drying temperature,
Models,
Spaceboard
Citation
Hunt, John F.; Tamasy-Bano, Margit.; Nyist, Heike. 1999. Modelling the drying of three-dimensional pulp moulded structures. Part II, Drying data obtained from flat panels using virgin and recycled paper fibre. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on the Development of Wood Science, Wood Technology and Forestry : ICWSF 99, 14th-16th July 1999, Missenden Abbey, UK. High Wycombe, England : Forest Products Research Centre, Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College , 1999.:p. 196-205 : ill.
