Characterization of the Medium-Density Fiberboard Obtained Through Acid Digestion to Produce Bio-Oil and Carbon Black

Abstract

Solid wastes from furniture industries require proper disposal and may have potential to be used as input in other production chains. The aim of the current study is to assess the use of medium density fiberboard (MDF) to produce bio-oil and carbon black with low emission of toxic elements. A full factorial design was used to assess 27 bio-oil preparation procedures based on the acid digestion of MDF shavings. The influence of three concentrated acid types (HNO3, H2SO4 and HCl) at three different temperatures (25, 75 and 150°C) and digestion times (30, 60 and 90min) was assessed. The contents of Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb samples were determined through ICP OES. The Al and Ba contents oscillated between 442.2 ± 235.9 mg kg-1 and 17.9 ± 8.6 mg kg-1, respectively. The Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb contents were below the detection limit set by the technique. The tests showed that the studied material has the potential to be used as bio-oil and carbon black with low emission of metallic elements; thus, it was considered a potential alternative source of biomass-generated energy and, in parallel, it provides the furniture sector with an additional waste management option