Effect of recycled fiber on the properties of fiberboard panels

This study examined the effects of recycled and virgin wood fiber on the properties of fiberboard. Replacing virgin fiber with recycled fiber adversely affected physical and mechanical properties of fiberboard. Bending properties and dimensional stability were linearly dependent on virgin fiber ratios. Based on strength properties, panels with 20 and 40 percent recycled fiber contents conformed to standards for class 4-service and class 5-industrialite hardboard, respectively. All panels with recycled fiber content greater than 40 percent failed to meet any commercial requirement.