In this project, different MUF resins were synthesized with varying melamine content, F/NH2 molar ratio, number of addition steps and with varying addition order of the reactants during synthesis. Further, it was investigated how these synthesis parameters influenced resin properties including storage stability and free formaldehyde content. Additionally, NMR spectroscopy was used in order to study the resulting chemical structure of the resins and their molecular size and molecular size distribution were examined by SEC and MALDI-TOF-MS. The curing kinetics of the resins were studied by Raman spectroscopy. From the resins, cured glue joints were prepared and the mechanical properties and water resistance of these were tested through tensile shear testing after different pretreatments of the glue joints. It was confirmed that synthesis under both alkaline and acidic conditions resulted in a higher amount of ether bridges in the resin in comparison to synthesis under acidic conditions. Furthermore, a high melamine content and fewer urea additions resulted in resins with a higher amount of methylol groups and less substituted functional groups. Comparatively, when the F/NH2 molar ratio was increased or when formalin was added in two steps, a resin with higher amount of substituted groups and structures of higher degree of condensation was obtained. From the synthesis procedure it was concluded that a long condensation time at alkaline conditions was the most efficient way to achieve a low free formaldehyde content, while a high F/NH2 molar ratio resulted in the highest amount of free formaldehyde. Furthermore, a high amount of flexible ether bridges, low amount of methylol groups, low melamine content, high F/NH2 molar ratio and a high degree of branched chains seem to be important structural parameters for achieving resins with a long shelf life. Additionally, from the SEC-analysis it was found that the resins had an average molecular weight (Mn) between 1000-1600 g/mol and a broad molecular weight distribution, which were further verified by MALDI-TOF-MS. The resins with a high melamine content had shorter chains, and the molecular weight distribution was most significantly increased when the number of addition steps were changed. Through analysis of the curing process it was found that a higher hardener-to-resin mixing ratio resulted in a faster curing process and a higher final degree of cross-linking. Additionally, it appeared as the reaction of methylol groups was less pH-dependent than the reactions of ether bridges and methylene bridges, which both were favored at lower pH. From the kinetic profiles it was observed that the resin with a higher amount of ether bridges and lower amount of methylol groups had a more prolonged curing process. Furthermore, the mechanical testing of the resulting cured glue joints showed no significant difference in tensile strength between the resins when tested in the dry state. However, a reduced tensile strength were observed for the resin with higher melamine content when tested in the wet state, hence indicating that the increased melamine content used in this project is not enough in order to significantly improve the mechanical properties or water resistance of the cured glue joint observable with the used method. / I detta arbete har MUF-hartser syntetiserats med varierande melaminhalt, F/NH2 molkvot och satsningsförfarande av reaktanter under syntes. Vidare undersöktes det hur dessa syntesparametrar påverkar hartsernas egenskaper så som lagringsstabilitet och fri formaldehyd innehåll. Dessutom tillämpades NMR spektroskopi för att studera hartsernas kemiska struktur medan SEC och MALDITOF-MS analyser utfördes för att få en uppfattning om hartsernas molekylvikt samt molekylviktsfördelning. Vidare analyserades hartsernas härdningskinetik med Raman spektroskopi. Från de syntetiserade hartserna förbereddes härdade limfogar vars mekaniska egenskaper och vattenbeständighet studerades genom dragprovstestning efter olika förbehandlingar av fogarna. Från hartsernas kemiska struktur kunde det bekräftas att då syntes utfördes under både basiska och sura betingelser erhölls en högre mängd eterbryggor i hartserna i jämförelse med syntes under endast sura betingelser. Vidare konstaterades det att hartserna med högre melaminhalt samt hartset som tillverkades med färre ureasatsningar bestod av en högre mängd metylolgrupper och en mindre andel substituerade grupper på melamin och urea. Jämförelsevis resulterade en högre F/NH2 molkvot samt två formalinsatsningar under syntes i en större mängd substituerade grupper och i en högre andel större molekylstrukturer. Från den erhållna mängden fri formaldehyd i hartsen kunde det konstateras att en lång kondensationstid under basiska betingelser var det mest effektiva sättet att sänka detta värde. Jämförelsevis hade hartserna med hög F/NH2 molkvot det högsta innehållet av fri formaldehyd. Då hartsernas lagringstabilitet undersöktes visade det sig att en hög andel flexibla eterbryggor, en låg andel metylolgrupper, en låg melaminhalt, en hög F/NH2 molkvot och en hög andel grenade kedjor resulterade i förbättrad lagringsbeständighet. Från SEC-analysen erhölls hartsernas molekylvikter (Mn) i området 1000-1600 g/mol samt en bred molekylviktsfördelning. Resultaten var vidare bekräftade med MALDI-TOF-MS. Det observerades att hartserna med högre melaminhalt hade lägre molekylvikt samt att hartserna tillverkade med olika antal satsningar hade högst dispersitet. Då hartsernas härdningsförlopp studerades kunde det konstateras att ett högre bladningsförhållande av härdare/harts resulterade i en snabbare härdningsprocess samt i en större andel tvärbindningar i systemet. Dessutom visade det sig att reaktionen med metylolgrupper är mindre pH-beroende än omlagringen av eterbryggor och bildandet av metylenbryggor. De två sistnämda reaktionerna gynnas vid lägre pH. Då de kinetiska profilerna av hartserna jämfördes noterades det att hartset med en högre mängd eterbryggor och en lägre andel metylolgrupper hade en långsammare härdningsprocess. Från resultaten av de mekaniska analyserna på de härdade limfogarna kunde det konstateras att ingen signifikant skillnad i dragstyrka fanns mellan de olika fogarna då de testades i torrt tillstånd. Däremot observerades en minskad dragstyrka för hartset med högre melaminhalt då fogarna undersöktes i vått tillstånd. Detta visar på att den ökade melaminhalten som används i hartserna i detta projekt inte är tillräcklig för att resultera i en, med den använda metoden observerbar, förbättrad dragstyrka eller vattenbeständighet hos den motsvarande härdade limfogen.

Metal organic framework compounds have emerged as an important part of inorganic coordination chemistry during the last two decades. In this thesis, the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) compounds of 5-substituted isophthalic acids have been investigated. As part of the investigations, preparation of MOF compounds of different 5-substituted isophthalic acids such as 5-aminoisophthalaic acid, 5-nitroisophthalaic acid and 5-sulphoisophthalaic acid have been accomplished. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Magnetic properties of the transition metal based compounds have been studied by SQUID/PPMS magnetometer. The ligand-sensitized metal-center emission has been studied on the Eu3+ and Tb3+ doped MOF compounds of Y and La. Up-conversion luminescence properties of Nd based compound have also been studied. The labile nature of the coordinated and lattice water molecules was established by employing dynamic in-situ single crystal to single crystal structural transformation studies. In addition, the site selective substitution in homometallic MOF compounds and their subsequent thermal decomposition to mixed-metal spinel oxides have also been investigated. In Chapter 1 of the thesis an overview of the metal-organic framework compounds is presented. In Chapter 2, the synthesis, structure and properties of 5-aminoisophthalate compounds of 3d metals and the rare earth metals are presented. In some of these compounds the coordinate and the lattice water molecules can be removed and reinserted with the retention of single crystallinity. Also some of the isostructural compounds exhibits interesting magnetic behaviors. Partial substitution of the Y3+/La3+ compounds of 5-aminoisophthalate with Eu3+/Tb3+ exhibits characteristics metal centered emission (red = Eu3+ and green = Tb3+). In Chapter 3, the three dimensional compounds of 5-nitroisophthalate and 4, 4’-oxybisbenzoate with cobalt and the high – throughput screening in the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the Cu(CH3COO)2.H2O – NIPA – heterocyclic ligand systems are presented. In chapter 4, the single crystal to single crystal transformation with temperature dependent dimensionality cross-over and structural reorganizations in two copper based compounds of 5-sulfoisopphthalate and 5-nitroisophthalate are presented. In chapter 5, the site selective substitution in a homometallic MOF compound and its subsequent decomposition to mixed-metal spinel oxides are presented.

Lors de cette étude, j'ai effectué des recherches sur trois sortes d'assemblages du bois : les colles naturelles, les colles synthétiques et le soudage sans colles, ceci dans le but d'améliorer les performances de fabrication des panneaux de particules, des panneaux contreplaqués, des lamellés-collés et des composites. Dans ce travail, le contenu d'étude inclut les éléments suivants : 1) L'assemblage des panneaux semi-extérieurs ou extérieurs par les colles naturelles : Trois types différents de tannins (les tannins hydrolysables de châtaigniers, les tannins condensations de pin radiata et les tannins condensations de mimosa) sont étudiés. 2) L'assemblage des panneaux extérieurs par les colles synthétiques : Différents types d'additifs (le nanoargile, des précurseurs oligomériques de poly (amine-ester) et glutaraldéhyde) pour améliorer leurs performances. La résine MUF (Mélamine-Urée-Formaldéhyde) est obtenue sous forme de poudre par séchage d'atomisation ainsi sa durée de vie est potentiellement infinie.3) L'assemblage des panneaux extérieurs par soudage sans colles : Deux matériaux (l'huile et la lignine acétylée) pour améliorer les résistances à l'eau. Toutes les propriétés physico-chimiques et mécaniques ont été étudiées en mettant en oeuvre des techniques d'analyse et d'évaluation telles que la thermomécanique TMA, la cristallographie aux rayons X (XRD), la résonance magnétique nucléaire 13C RMN, la spectrométrie de masse MALDI-TOF, et la fabrication des panneaux en laboratoire. Finalement, nous avons amélioré les caractéristiques des panneaux avec les colles ou sans colles et spécifiquement la résistance à l'eau pour une utilisation extérieure / In this studied, wood based composites were assembled with the natural adhesive (tannin adhesive), the synthesis adhesive (MUF) and the welding wood without adhesive. These wood composites include particleboard, plywood and glulam. We focus on these works as follows: 1) Three different types of tannins (chestnut hydrolysable tannins, pine condensation tannins and mimosa condensation tannins) as thermosetting or cold-setting adhesive were studied to assemble particleboard, plywood and glulam for application to semi-exterior or exterior. 2) The characteristics of MUF resins for particleboard applications have been improved through a number of additives (nanoclay, hyperbranched polymer and glutaraldehyde), the powder adhesive of MUF was obtained by spray-drying technologies, and it could be prolonger the shelf-life of MUF adhesive. It also can be application to exterior after enhancing. 3) The blockboard for application exterior was assembling by welded dowels, two differents materials (sun flower oil and acetylated lignin) were used to improve the water resistance. These physical, chemical and mechanical properties of these assemblages was investigated by implementing some techniques such as thermomechanical analysis (TMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectroscometry (MALDI-TOF), and by manufacturing wood composites. Finally, the performances of these wood composites were apparent improved whether with the tannin adhesive, the MUF adhesive or the welding wood without adhesive, especially improved the water resistance of wood composites for exterior applications

In this study, a series of denim fiberboards are fabricated using two different resins, malamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI). Two experimental design factors (1) adhesive content and (2) MUF-pMDI weight ratio, were studied. All the denim fiberboard samples were fabricated following the same resin blending, cold-press and hot-press procedures. The physical and mechanical tests were conducted on the fiberboard following the procedures described in ASTM D1037 to obtain such as modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond (IB), thickness swell (TS), and water absorption (WA). The results indicated that the MOE was significantly affected by both factors. IB was affected significantly by weight ratio of different glue types, with 17 wt% more MDI resin portion in the core layer of the denim boards, the IB for total adhesive content 15% fiberboard was enhanced by 306%, while for total adhesive content 25% fiberboard, enhanced by 205%. TS and WA, with higher adhesive content used in denim boards' fabrication, and more pMDI portion in the core layer of the boards, the boards' TS and WA was reduced by up to 64.2% and 78.8%, respectively.

Membrane-based filtration technologies have seen rapid inclusion in a variety of industrial processes, especially production of drinking water by desalination. Biological fouling of membranes is a challenge that leads to increased costs from efficiency reductions, membrane damage, and ultimately, membrane replacement over time. Such costs can be mitigated by monitoring and optimizing cleaning processes for better prognosis. A fluorescence-based sensor for early biofouling detection capable of measuring extracellular enzyme activity was developed. The selected fluorogen and fluorogen-substrate were characterized and down selected by in vitro screening for compatibility in seawater and profiled over relevant Red Sea desalination parameters (pH and temperature). ATP measurements are currently regarded as start-of-the-art when assessing biomass accumulation in membrane-based filtration systems Therefore, the fluorescence sensor response was measured for a range of bacterial concentrations and validated using an ATP assay. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach for the quantitative assessment of bacteria activity in seawater rapidly and sensitively. Following in vitro testing, the method was employed in a lab-scale seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) system for suitability in monitoring biofouling formation. The sensor successfully measured bacterial biomass accumulation rapidly and non-invasively using exogenously applied fluorogen-substrates. The sensor response was corroborated with real-time in situ non-destructive imaging of the membrane surface. This approach demonstrates the practicality of prototyping an early-detection biofouling sensor in membrane based processes using extracellular enzyme activity as a measure of bacterial abundance.

This study compares two wood materials, cross-laminated timber (CLT) and traditional wood studs, for small house construction. The aim of this degree project is to assess their specific properties and differences in terms of sustainability and safety. The method for the study employs semi-structured interviews, development of wall elements using Revit and an extensive literature review to arrive at conclusions. CLT is examined as an innovative construction material known for its high strength and stability, while wood studs are analyzed for their energy efficiency and compliance with modern building standards. The findings are supported by previous research comparing different wood construction methods. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study provides valuable insights into the advantages and disadvantages of CLT and traditional wood studs for small house construction. The results from this work were that CLT used more material and had more waste than traditional wood. The interviews indicated differences and challenges related to fire risks associated with adhesive use in cross-laminated timber. Both PUR adhesive and MUF adhesive have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to follow the safety protocols and increase industry knowledge for improving fire safety in cross-laminated timber. The conclusion of the study was that cross-laminated timber is affected by the adhesive when considering the reuse of wall elements and fire challenges. It also requires more material, making traditional timber studs a better choice.

This diploma thesis is focused on the influence of thermal modification on the strength of bonded joint in tension according to ČSN EN 205. For the purpose of this work was used beech wood. The thermal modification of the test samples was performed at temperatures of 160 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C. The selected bond strength adhesives were melamine-urea formaldehyde adhesives (MUF), phenol-resorcinol formaldehyde adhesives (PRF) and one-component polyurethane adhesives (PUR). In addition to the thermal modification the effect of plasma modification on bond strength is also determined. The test lamellas were plasma treated (DCSBD) prior to gluing and pressing. The result is the determination of the tensile strength of the bonded joint in all the above-mentioned modifications and comparation of the results.

Submitted by Marta Toyoda (1144061@mackenzie.br) on 2018-03-10T00:16:02Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Gilmar Alves Silva.pdf: 7136878 bytes, checksum: 1d18b7604ed4a6ba52324bc984698f1a (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Paola Damato (repositorio@mackenzie.br) on 2018-04-04T11:49:28Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Gilmar Alves Silva.pdf: 7136878 bytes, checksum: 1d18b7604ed4a6ba52324bc984698f1a (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-04T11:49:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Gilmar Alves Silva.pdf: 7136878 bytes, checksum: 1d18b7604ed4a6ba52324bc984698f1a (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-01-31 / The ionosphere plays an important role in the propagation of electromagnetic waves, providing valvable opportunity to study its variability and effects on radio signals. The continuous changing in the ionospheric conditions caused by space weather strongly affects the propagation of electromagnetic waves, particularly in high frequency (HF).This work aims to investigate the propagation of radio signals in the equatorial region, between November 2013 to October 2014 in the following frequencies: 1,8 MHz, 14 MHz, 28 MHz and 50 MHz. The study was performed using DPS4 digisonde data, propagation model (VOACAP) and amateur radio receivers. The work consists of radio signals analysis emitted by two amateur radio stations located in Punta Arenas (latitude: 53.15°S; longitude: 70.92°W; dip. latitude: 39.37ºS) and in Nairóbi (latitude: 1.28ºS; longitude: 36.88ºE; dip. latitude: 10.74ºS). These radio signals were recorded at the amateur radio receiving stations located in Boa Vista (latitude: 2.82°N; longitude: 60.76°W; dip. latitude: 15,14ºN), Campo Grande (latitude: 20.5oS; longitude: 54.7oW; dip. latitude: 16.99ºS) and São Luís (latitude: 2.53oS; longitude: 44.30oW; dip. latitude: 3.28ºS) located in the region of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) and at the magnetic equator in the Brazilian sector. It was emphasized the analysis of the maximum usable frequency (MUF) obtained from the foF2 ionospheric parameter and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in each path between radio amateur transmitters (Tx) and the receivers (Rx). Results indicate that the ionosphere response was different in relation to the radio signals that propagate in and out of the equatorial region. According to SNR values measured at the receiving stations, The communications in 1.8 MHz were only possible at evenings of winter months between Punta Arenas and Boa Vista and between Punta Arenas an Sao Luis. The communications in 14 MHz were possible on all routes during the summer months and during equinoxes period at any hour of the day, but during the winter period the transmissions from Punta Arenas were only received in São Luís and Campo Grande during daylight hours. The 28 MHz transmissions from Nairobi were received during the summer months in all stations 24 hours by day, but transmissions at the same frequency from Punta Arenas only were received in São Luís and Campo Grande. At other times of the year the communications over the same frequency were only possible during daylight hours. The communications in 50 MHz were only possible in the summer months coming from Nairobi station. / A ionosfera desempenha um papel importante na propagação de ondas eletromagnéticas, o que proporciona uma oportunidade para estudar sua variabilidade e seus efeitos sobre os sinais de rádio. A mudança contínua nas condições ionosféricas causadas pelo clima espacial afeta fortemente a propagação principalmente em alta frequência (HF), em virtude disso esse trabalho apresenta resultados de investigação sobre a propagação de sinais de rádio realizado durante um ano, entre novembro de 2013 a outubro de 2014 nas frequências 1,8 MHz, 14 MHz, 28 MHz e 50 MHz na região equatorial. O estudo foi realizado usando dados de digissonda, modelo de propagação (VOACAP) e receptores de rádio amador. O trabalho consiste na análise de sinais de rádio emitidos por duas estações transmissoras de rádio amador localizadas em Punta Arenas (53,15°S; 70,92°W; dip. latitude: 39,37ºS) e em Nairóbi (1,28ºS; 36,88ºE; dip. latitude: 10,74ºS), sendo esses sinais de rádio registrados nas estações receptoras de rádio amador localizadas em Boa Vista (2,82°N; 60,76°W; dip. latitude: 15,14ºN), Campo Grande (20,5oS; 54,7oW; dip. latitude: 16,99ºS) e São Luís (2,53oS; 44,30oW; dip. latitude: 3,28ºS), isto é, na região da anomalia equatorial de ionização (EIA) e no equador magnético no setor brasileiro. O estudo enfatizou a análise do parâmetro ionosférico denominado máxima frequência utilizável (MUF), bem como a relação sinal-ruído (SNR) em cada trajeto entre transmissor (Tx) e receptor (Rx). Os resultados indicam que a resposta da ionosfera foi diferente em relação aos sinais de rádio que se propagam dentro e fora da região equatorial. De acordo com valores da SNR medidos nas estações receptoras, as intensidades dos sinais de rádio nas frequências especificadas variam no período de 24 horas. As comunicações em 1,8 MHz só foram possíveis nos enlaces entre Punta Arenas e Boa Vista e São Luís durante os meses de inverno no período da noite. As comunicações em 14 MHz foram possíveis em todos os trajetos durante 24 horas nos meses de verão e nos equinócios, mas no período de inverno as transmissões de Punta Arenas só foram recebidas em São Luís e Campo Grande durante as horas do dia. As transmissões em 28 MHz de Nairóbi foram recebidas durante 24 horas nos meses de verão em todas as estações, as de Punta Arenas só em São Luís e Campo Grande. Nos demais períodos do ano as comunicações só foram possíveis durante as horas do dia. As comunicações em 50 MHz só foram possíveis nos meses de verão e apenas com a estação de Nairóbi.

2014 är det supervalår i Sverige. Det innebär intensiv marknadsföring för de olika politiska intressena i många olika kanaler. För många, men kanske speciellt för unga människor, kan detta bli en förvirrande period av budskap och åsikter som på olika sätt ska värderas och tas ställning till. De politiska ungdomsförbunden riktar sig till personer mellan sex och 25 år, och hör för det mesta till ett så kallat moderparti, men har egna politiska agendor, grafiska profiler och marknadsföring. Den mesta av marknadsföringen sker genom någon slags grafiskt material, och för att de politiska budskapen verkligen ska nå fram till alla unga på bästa sätt, borde det grafiska materialet också rent visuellt tala för innehållet. Den här studien syftar till att undersöka om det finns samband mellan politik och grafiska profiler hos de politiska ungdomsförbunden. Då studier på sambandet mellan politik och grafiskt material visat sig vara ett relativt outforskat område som det är svårt att hitta exakt data om, är detta en kvalitativ tvärsnittsstudie. Tio politiska ungdomsförbund valdes ut för granskning med grund i moderpartiernas storlek i riksdagsvalet 2010. Vidare samlades data om dessa in genom kvalitativa dokument och audiovisuella kanaler, vilket exempelvis innefattar de politiska ungdomsförbundens grafiska manualer och webbsidor. Studien visar på samband mellan politiken och de grafiska profilernas. Dessa uppstod mellan förbunden som ingår i blockpolitiken, men även mellan förbund på skilda delar av skalan som hade andra aspekter än blockpolitik gemensamt.

The purpose of this thesis was to develop an economical, sustainable, and environmentally friendly straw Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) process, capable of full-scale manufacturing and to produce MDF of requested quality. The investigated straw was based on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryzae sativa L.). In this thesis three different methods were taken for manufacture of straw MDF; (A) wheat-straw fibre was blowline blended with melamine-modified urea-formaldehyde (MUF), (B) rice-straw fibre was mixed with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in a resin drum-blender, and (C) wheat-straw fibre was activated in the blowline by the addition of Fenton’s reagent (H2O2/Fe2+) for production of non-resin MDF panels.  The MUF/wheat straw MDF panels were approved according to the requirements of the EN standard for MDF (EN 622-5, 2006). The MDI/rice-straw MDF panels were approved according to requirements of the standard for MDF of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI A208.2-2002). The non-resin wheat-straw panels showed mediocre MDF panel properties and were not approved according to the requirements in the MDF standard. The dry process for wood-based MDF was modified for production of straw MDF. The straw MDF process was divided into seven main process steps. 1.       Size-reduction (hammer-milling) and screening of straw 2.       Wetting and heating of straw 3.       Defibration 4.       Resination of straw fibre 5.       Mat forming 6.       Pre-pressing 7.       Hot-pressing       The primary results were that the straw MDF process was capable of providing satisfactory straw MDF panels based on different types of straw species and adhesives. Moreover, the straw MDF process was performed in pilot-plant scale and demonstrated as a suitable method for producing straw MDF from straw bales to finished straw MDF panels. In the environmental perspective the agricultural straw-waste is a suitable source for producing MDF to avoid open field burning and to capture carbon dioxide (CO2), the biological sink for extended time into MDF panels, instead of converting straw directly into bio energy or applying straw fibre a few times as recycled paper. Additionally, the straw MDF panels can be recycled or converted to energy after utilization. A relationship between water retention value (WRV) of resinated straw fibres, the thickness swelling of corresponding straw MDF panels, and the amount of applied adhesive was determined. WRV of the straw fibre increased and the TS of straw MDF declined as a function of the resin content. The empirical models developed were of acceptable significance and the R2 values were 0.69 (WRV) and 0.75 (TS), respectively. Reduced thickness swelling of MDF as the resin content is increased is well-known. The increase of WRV as a function of added polymers is not completely established within the science of fibre swelling. Fortunately, more fundamental research can be initiated and likely a simple method for prediction of thickness swelling of MDF by analysis of the dried and resinated MDF fibres is possible. / Syftet med denna avhandling var att lägga grunden för en ekonomisk, hållbar och miljövänlig MDF process för halmråvara, kapabel för fullskalig produktion av MDF och goda skivegenskaper. Framställningen av MDF skivor utgick från halm av vete (Triticum aestivum L.) och ris (Oryzae sativa L.). Tre olika metoder användes för att producera MDF av halm; (A) fibrer av vetehalm belimmades i blåsledning med ett melaminmodifierat urea-formaldehydlim (MUF), (B) fibrer av rishalm belimmades i en limblandare med metylen difenyl diisocyanate (MDI), (C) Limfria MDF skivor av vetehalm framställdes med aktivering av fibrer genom tillsats av Fenton´s reagens (H2O2/Fe2+) i blåsledning utan någon tillsats av syntetiskt lim. Sammanfattningsvis kan det understrykas att framställda MDF-skivor av MUF/vetehalm var godkända enligt standard för MDF (EN 622-5, 2006). Dessutom var framställda MDF skivor av MDI/rishalm också godkända enligt krav i standard för MDF ”American National Standard Institute” (ANSI A2008.2-2002). Limfria vetehalmskivor visade på måttliga skivegenskaper och klarade inte kraven i MDF standard.   Fiberframställningsprocessen för MDF modifierades till en produktion utgående från halm. MDF processen för halm delades upp i sju primära processoperationer.   (1)            Storleksreducering och sållning av halm (2)            Vätning och uppvärmning av halm (3)            Defibrering (4)            Belimning av halmfiber (5)            Mattformning (6)            Förpressning (7)            Pressning   De viktigaste resultaten från denna studie är att MDF av halm kunde produceras utgående från olika typer av halmsorter och lim. Dessutom utfördes MDF-processen i pilotskala och visade på en lämplig metod för framställning av MDF-skivor från halmbalar till färdiga halmfiberskivor. Det miljömässiga perspektivet på att använda jordbruksavfall till framställning av halmskivor är att undvika förbränning av halm ute på fältet, men det är även möjligt att binda koldioxid (CO2) i halmskivor under längre tid än att omsätta halmråvaran omedelbart som bioenergi eller använda halmfiber som returpapper några få gånger. Dessutom kan MDF återanvändas eller bli omsatt till energi efter användning.   Ett förhållande mellan ”water retention value” (WRV), av belimmade halmfiber, tjocklekssvällning för motsvarande MDF av halmskivor och mängden av tillsatt lim vid olika nivåer har undersökts. Med ökande limhalt tilltog WRV fibersvällning, vidare minskade tjocklekssvällning för motsvarande MDF skivor. De framtagna empiriska modellerna var godtagbara och beräknade R2 värden var 0.69 (WRV) och 0.75 (TS). Minskad tjocklekssvällning med ökad limhalt är dokumenterad sen tidigare. Ökad fibersvällning WRV vid tillsats av polymerer (limmer) är inte fullständigt etablerad inom vetenskapen för fibersvällning. Lyckligtvis kan grundläggande forskning initieras och sannolikt föreligger en enkel metod för att prediktera tjocklekssvällning av MDF genom analyser av torkade och belimmad MDF fiber.