LAUSR

Change in air and liquid permeability by addition of nanowollastonite (NW) to medium-density fiberboard (MDF) was studied. MDF was produced by mixing camel-thorn (CT) chips to wood fibers. CT content was up to 10% of the mixture. Addition of CT did not significantly affect air permeability in control specimens. Water permeability time values were significantly higher in comparison to the other two liquids (alcohol and kerosene), indicating lower liquid permeability of MDF panels for water. In this connection, calculation of adsorption energies showed the formation of stronger and more stable bonds between water molecules with the cellulose surface in comparison to kerosene and ethyl alcohol. Formation of stronger bonds made movement of water molecules through MDF texture more difficult, ultimately resulting in lower water permeability in MDF specimens.