EP2819819B1 - Method for producing wood materials and/or composite materials - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of wood and / or composites (especially fiber composites, chipboard and Oriented or Unoriented Structural Boards and insulation materials and insulation boards) and methods for their preparation.

In the production of such wood and / or composite materials are usually wood, annual and multi-annual plants, u. a. Thermohydrolytic, mechanical, thermomechanical, chemically or chemo-thermomechanically digested to pulp or machined to wood fibers / shavings / strands of any size / unlocked. These fibers / chips are treated with binders (eg, thermoplastic resins such as isocyanate, urea formaldehyde resins, melamine-urea-formaldehyde resins, phenol-formaldehyde resins, etc.) and additives, etc.

In the case of, for example, fiber composite materials, wet, dry or semi-dry processes are usually used, and the fibers are cured after web formation, for example, to porous fibreboards, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), hard fiberboard (HDF), insulating materials or insulating boards by means of hot pressing (eg. Conti-roll), oven drying or steam or vapor-air mixture. Alternatively or additionally, wood fibers with thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic fibers provided as a binder, from which a nonwoven fabric is produced. Similar methods exist for chipboard or boards.

1. a) Bereitstellen/Herstellen eines Gemisches aus Bindemittel und thermohydrolytisch, mechanisch, thermomechanisch, chemisch oder chemo-thermomechanisch zerkleinertem und/oder aufgeschlossenem lignocellulosehaltigen Material
2. b) Durchströmen des Gemisches mit Heißluft, wobei die Heißluft einen Dampfanteil von ≤ 10% [Vol./Vol.] besitzt.
3. c) Durchströmen des Gemisches mit Heißdampf.

The common methods, such as from the WO 2010/022864 A1 However, they have the disadvantage that not all known from the prior art binder systems can be used, but especially polyurethane / isocyanate systems (MDI / PDMI). DE -A- 3641465 shows a method for the production of wood and / or composite materials according to the preamble of claim 1. Another method for the production of wood and / or composite materials is made DE -A- 4440997 known. It is therefore the task of creating an improved process for the production of wood and / or composite materials. This object is achieved by the method according to claim 1. Accordingly, a method for the production of wood and / or composite materials is proposed, comprising the steps:

1. a) providing / producing a mixture of binder and thermohydrolytically, mechanically, thermomechanically, chemically or chemo-thermomechanically comminuted and / or digested lignocellulose-containing material
2. b) flowing through the mixture with hot air, wherein the hot air has a vapor content of ≤ 10% [Vol./Vol.].
3. c) flowing through the mixture with superheated steam.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the production of wood and / or composite materials is greatly simplified and improved by the inventive method. This is due to (but not limited to) the fact that the use of the method according to the invention in the vast majority of all applications can be found that the temperature in the mixture of binder and as described above comminuted and / or digested lignocellulose material in the near or completely entire area suddenly increased so that 150 ° C to 260 ° C can be reached. This leads to the final and complete crosslinking or curing of the binder in the mixture of binder and comminuted lignocellulose-containing material for finished wood and / or composite material. This sudden increase in temperature is often seen as a critical chemical-physical process for the final curing of the binder systems.

• Durch dieses Verfahren können erstmals weltweit Dämmstoffe aus Span- und Strandbasis hergestellt werden (z. B. Holzspandämmplatte mit einer Rohdichte von 60 kg/m³ bis 400 kg/m³).
• Im erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren können nicht nur Polyurethan/Isocyanat-Bindemittel (PDMI /MDI) zum Einsatz kommen, sondern auch die im Faser-, Span- und OSB-Plattenbereich gängigen Bindemittel wie Aminoplasten oder Phenoplasten, ebenso Bindemittel auf Enzymbasis oder naturnahe Bindemittel.
• Gerade bei der Verwendung von naturnahen Bindemitteln ermöglicht dieses Verfahren die Vernetzung bzw. Polymerisation des Bindemittels, indem man im gesamten Plattenbereich höhere Temperaturen als üblich erreicht.
• Im Gegensatz zu den bisher bekannten Verfahren, können die Aushärtetemperaturen besser dosiert und verteilt werden. (z. B. gegenseitige Regulation von Heißluft und Heißdampf je nach Bedarf, Bindemittel- und Materialeigenschaften)
• Durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren können Bindemittelanteile und somit Bindemittelkosten eingespart werden.
• Das Verfahren kann auf den meisten bestehenden Anlagen ohne aufwendige Umrüstung eingesetzt werden.
• Das Verfahren beansprucht keine neuen zeitaufwendigen Schritte, sondern kann im Hochdurchsatzbetrieb eingesetzt werden.
• Das Verfahren ermöglicht einen geringeren Zeitaufwand. Durch die Vorerwärmung der Dämm-, Faser-, Span- und OSB/USB-Platten können die Aushärtezeiten deutlich verringert werden.
• Das Verfahren ermöglicht einen geringeren Energieaufwand.
• Das Verfahren ermöglicht kürzere Produktionslinien.

Additionally, in most applications of the present invention, at least one of the following advantages can be observed:

• This method makes it possible for the first time worldwide to produce insulating materials from particleboard and beach base (eg wood chipboard with a gross density of 60 kg / m ³ to 400 kg / m ³ ).
• Not only polyurethane / isocyanate binders (PDMI / MDI) can be used in the process according to the invention, but also the binders customary in the fiber, chip and OSB board sector, such as aminoplasts or phenoplasts, as well as enzyme-based binders or natural binders.
• Especially when using natural binders, this method allows the crosslinking or polymerization of the binder by reaching higher temperatures than usual in the entire plate area.
• In contrast to the previously known methods, the curing temperatures can be better dosed and distributed. (eg mutual regulation of hot air and superheated steam as required, binder and material properties)
• By the method according to the invention binder proportions and thus binder costs can be saved.
• The method can be used on most existing systems without costly conversion.
• The method does not require any new time-consuming steps but can be used in high-throughput operation.
• The method allows a smaller amount of time. By pre-heating the insulation, fiber, chipboard and OSB / USB boards, the curing times can be significantly reduced.
• The method allows a lower energy consumption.
• The process allows shorter production lines.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "wood and / or composite material" is understood in particular to mean materials which consist primarily of thermohydrolytically, mechanically, thermomechanically, chemically or chemo-thermomechanically comminuted and / or digested lignocellulose-containing material which after being glued to a synthetic material or natural binders are formed.

In the context of the present invention, "wood and / or composite materials" are understood in particular to be fiber composites, particleboard and Oriented or unoriented structural boards, as well as insulating materials and insulating boards.

In the context of the present invention, "fiber composites" are in particular single-layer or multi-layer fibreboards, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and hard fiberboard (HDF), with a bulk density ≥ 400 kg / m ³ to about 1200 kg / m ³ , insulation materials or insulation boards or porous fiberboard with a density of 20 kg / m ³ to 400 kg / m ³ understood. MDF boards usually have a bulk density ≥ 400 kg / m ³ to 900 kg / m ³ and thicknesses between 3 mm to 60 mm. HDF sheets usually have gross densities ≥ 900 kg / m ³ and thicknesses between 1 mm and 10 mm. Porous fiberboards and wood fiber insulating materials / sheets usually have gross densities <400 kg / m ³ and thicknesses up to 200 mm.

In the context of the present invention, "chipboard" is understood to mean, in particular, single-layer or multi-layer chipboard as a rule with a bulk density of about 400 kg / m ³ to 750 kg / m ³ with thicknesses of 7 mm to 70 mm. In addition, single- or multi-layer insulation materials and insulation boards made of chips, which can also have a lower density than normal chipboard understood. These have densities <400 kg / m ³ .

Under "Oriented Structural Boards" (OSB) in the context of the present invention, in particular multilayer coarse chipboard with crosswise orientation of the chips (preferably Strands) are understood. Due to the orientation of strands, the strength values compared with chipboard can be significantly increased when using suitable adhesives.

In the context of the present invention, "unoriented structural boards" (USB) are understood in particular to mean that the strands are not scattered in a crosswise manner but are scattered unoriented and independently of one another. The advantage of producing USB boards is that they can also be produced on conventional chipboard lines using the throw and wind scattering method.

OSB or USB disks usually have bulk densities between 600 kg / m ³ and 700 kg / m ³ and thicknesses between 6 mm and 30 mm.

It should be noted that, according to the present invention, the wood and / or composite materials may be single-layered or multi-layered. Likewise, the wood and / or composites may be either pure (one type of fibers / chips / strands) or mixed (combining at least two types of fibers / chips / strands or mixtures thereof).

Furthermore, the wood and / or composites may be used without or with additives, e.g. Hardener, water repellents, flame retardants, mediators, etc., are produced.

By "mechanically or thermomechanically comminuted and / or digested lignocellulose-containing material" is meant in particular fibers, chips, strands or mixtures thereof.

By "fibers" in the context of the present invention, wood fibers are understood in particular; however, the present invention is not limited to such that under the Term "fibers" also mixtures of wood fibers and plastic fibers are understood, and fibers from single or multi-annual plants. Here, the term "fibers" in particular - preferably lignocellulose-containing - fibers having a length of ≥ 0.5 mm to ≤ 10 mm and a fiber diameter of ≥ 0.02 mm to ≤ 1 mm. In particular, fibers with a length of ≥ 1 mm to ≦ 6 mm and a fiber diameter of ≥ 0.1 mm to ≦ 1 mm are preferred.

For the purposes of the present invention, "chips" in the sense of the present invention are understood to mean chipped wood material and chips from single or multi-year plants, in particular sawmill by-products, such as wood shavings, sawdust, peeling chips, etc., as well as chipped particles made of chipboard and Scrap boards also as chips. Chips can be subdivided into cover and middle layer chips. The chip sizes differ in fine material (cover shavings of about 0.3 mm to 1 mm in length and 0.2 mm in thickness) and coarse material (middle shavings of about 1 mm to 5 mm in length, and 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm in thickness ).

"Strands" are understood to mean special, namely long and narrow cutting chips, which are particularly suitable for the direction-oriented and -unoriented scattering of OSB and USB disks by their shape. The dimensions are ideally about 100 mm in length and 10 mm in width.

• Polyisocyanat/Polyurethanbindemittel (PDMI / MDI)
• Aminoplasten, wie z.B. Harnstoff-Formaldehydharz, UF-Harz, Melamin-Harnstoffharz (MUF)
• Phenoplasten, Phenol-Formaldehydharz, PF-Harz
• Misch-Kunstharze, wie z. B. Melamin verstärkte Harnstoffphenol-Formaldehydharze (MUPF)
• enzymatische Bindemittelsysteme, insbesondere auf der Basis von aktivierter Laccase sowie Laccase-Mediator Systeme
• thermoaktivierbare Kunststoffe (wie z. B. Polyetylen, Polypropylen).
• Organofunktionelle Silane
• Naturnahe Bindemittel, wie z.B. Lignine, Stärke, Proteinleime (wie z.B. aus Weizenprotein, Sojaprotein, etc..), Tannine, Lignine, Klebstoffe auf Pflanzenölbasis, etc.

For the purposes of the present invention, "binders" are understood to mean, in particular, the following binders or mixtures thereof:

• Polyisocyanate / Polyurethane binder (PDMI / MDI)
• Aminoplasts, such as urea-formaldehyde resin, UF resin, melamine-urea resin (MUF)
• Phenoplasts, phenol-formaldehyde resin, PF resin
• Mixed synthetic resins, such. B. Melamine-reinforced urea-phenol-formaldehyde resins (MUPF)
• enzymatic binder systems, in particular based on activated laccase and laccase mediator systems
• thermally activated plastics (such as polyethylene, polypropylene).
• Organofunctional silanes
• Natural binders, such as lignins, starch, protein glues (such as wheat protein, soy protein, etc.), tannins, lignins, vegetable oil-based adhesives, etc.

The binders mentioned can be used alone or in combination.

By "providing / producing a mixture of binder and mechanically or thermomechanically comminuted lignocellulose-containing material" in the sense of the present invention is meant, in particular, that the mechanically or thermomechanically comminuted lignocellulose-containing material is glued to the binder.

This can be done with fiberboard and insulating materials / plates made of fibers in the wet, semi-dry and dry process. For semi-dry and dry gluing a blowline or glare gluing can be used. In the wet process, the fibers are mixed with binders in suspension.

In the production of chip / OSB / USB plates or insulation materials / plates thereof, the chips or strands are preferably glued after drying in conventional Beleimungsaggregaten and fed after Span- / Strandkuchensteuerung (single-layer or multi-layered) the inventive method.

For the purposes of the present invention, "throughflow" is understood to mean, in particular, that the hot air and then saturated superheated steam in the production of wood and / or composite materials, insulating materials or insulation boards (fiber / chip / OSB / USB) by the entire and compressed nonwoven fabric or the entire chip / beach cake in one or more directions around and / or flows through.

In the production of wood and / or composite materials, such as fibreboard (MDF, HDF), chipboard, OSB and USB plates, the materials are preferably during the pre-compression or afterwards with hot air and / or flows through and then pressed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture of binder and mechanically or thermomechanically comminuted and / or digested lignocellulose-containing material in mat or nonwoven form is provided in step a). This can be done depending on the application in non-compressed, precompressed or compacted form. The mats or webs can be conveyed batchwise or continuously on a conveyor belt at a corresponding speed; this has proved to be particularly practical and insofar as preferred.

Under "hot air" in the context of the invention u.a. understood in particular with different units for heating or heating brought ambient air, gases or pollutant-free exhaust gases or exhaust air from the production process. These units may be, for example, electric, gas, oil operated. The air is in the aggregate e.g. accelerated by a fan in flow (suction or blow) brought. The hot air can be conducted on one side or both sides or on several sides in the nonwoven or chip cake.

The hot air used in step b) preferably has a vapor content of ≦ 5%, more preferably of ≦ 3%, more preferably of ≦ 1%. Most preferably, hot air is used without the addition of steam.

For the purposes of the invention, "superheated steam" is understood to mean, in particular, saturated steam which has a higher temperature than that corresponding to the overpressure Boiling temperature was brought. The superheated steam can be used from the production process. In this case, the superheated steam can be conducted on one side or both sides or on several sides into the nonwoven or chip cake.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, step b) is carried out for a duration of ≥ 2 s to ≦ 1 h, in particular ≥ 10 s to ≦ 900 s, but preferably ≥ 60 s to ≦ 300 s. This has proven to be particularly practical for most applications.

The upper time limit may alternatively or preferably also be determined by reference to the temperature of the mixture of binder and fibers, i. Once the desired temperature is reached, which is usually between 100 ° C and 150 ° C, often at about 140 ° C depending on the application, step b) is stopped. The temperature can be determined, for example, by thermocouples, non-contact thermo-measuring devices, infrared thermometers or thermo-hygrometers. The latter instrument has the advantage that moisture can also be measured at the same time.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, step b) is performed with hot air having a temperature of ≥ 80 ° C to ≤ 260 ° C, more preferably ≥ 100 ° C to ≤ 200 ° C, preferably ≤ 180 ° C, and on most preferably ≥ 120 ° C to ≤ 160 ° C. This has proven itself in practice.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hot air in step b) has a speed of ≥ 0.1 m / s to ≤ 25 m / s. It has been found in the vast majority of applications that the desired heating of the mixture of binder and fibers can be achieved particularly effectively. Particularly preferably, the hot air in step b) has a speed of ≥ 1 m / s, preferably ≥ 2 m / s to ≦ 20 m / s, particularly preferably from ≥ 10 m / s to ≦ 18 m / s.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, step c) is carried out with wet and / or saturated steam. It has been found that the moisture absorption of the resulting fiber composite in the vast majority of applications can be easily kept in the desired frame.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, step c) is carried out with superheated steam which has a temperature of ≥ 80 ° C to ≦ 120 ° C, but more preferably ≥ 100 ° C to ≦ 110 ° C.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, step c) is carried out for a duration of ≥ 1 s to ≦ 80 s, in particular ≥ 2 s to ≦ 20 s, but preferably ≥ 5 s to ≦ 10 s. This has proven to be particularly practical for most applications.

In the production of insulating panels / or insulating materials, in particular Faserdämmplatten / or insulating materials can be done directly after step c) conditioning.

In the production of fiberboard, chipboard or OSB / USB boards usually takes place after step c) still a (hot) -Pressung; This can be done by the methods known from the prior art.

The above-mentioned and the claimed and described in the embodiments described components to be used in their size, shape design, material selection and technical design are not subject to any special conditions, so that the well-known in the field of application selection criteria can apply without restriction.

Fig. 1

ein Flußdiagramm für ein Herstellungsverfahren einer Faserdämmplatte gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine sehr schematische Querschnittsansicht einer möglichen Herstellungsanlage für das Verfahren aus Fig. 1

Fig. 3

ein Flußdiagramm für ein Herstellungsverfahren einer Faserplatte gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

eine sehr schematische Querschnittsansicht einer möglichen Herstellungsanlage für das Verfahren aus Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

ein Flußdiagramm für ein Herstellungsverfahren einer Dämmplatte aus Spänen gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform der Erfindung; sowie

Fig. 6

ein Flußdiagramm für ein Herstellungsverfahren einer Spanplatte gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the subclaims and from the following description of the associated Drawings in which - by way of example - several embodiments of the method according to the invention are shown. In the drawings shows:

Fig. 1

a flow chart for a manufacturing method of a Faserdämmplatte according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

a very schematic cross-sectional view of a possible manufacturing plant for the process Fig. 1

Fig. 3

a flow chart for a manufacturing method of a fiberboard according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4

a very schematic cross-sectional view of a possible manufacturing plant for the process Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

a flow chart for a manufacturing method of an insulation board made of chips according to a third embodiment of the invention; such as

Fig. 6

a flow chart for a manufacturing method of a chipboard according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 shows a flow chart for a manufacturing method of a Faserdämmplatte according to a first embodiment of the invention. How out Fig. 1 can be seen, first fibers from wood chips are prepared by suitable digestion. Subsequently, the gluing with binder and a web formation take place. This fleece is then initially flowed around with hot air, whereby a heating takes place at about 100 ° C to 140 °. In the subsequent Heißdampfumströmung further heating to about 150 ° C to 200 ° C. After assembly, the Faserdämmplatte is completed.

Fig. 2 shows a very schematic cross-sectional view of a possible manufacturing plant 1 for the process Fig. 1 , This consists of a conveyor belt 10. The guided through this band fiber-binder mixture 20 is first pre-pressed by a press unit 30, so that a nonwoven fabric is formed. This is followed by a hot air generator 40 a Flowing through with hot air, and by a steam generator 50, a passage of steam (indicated by the sign 51).

Fig. 3 shows a flowchart for a manufacturing method of a fiberboard according to a first embodiment of the invention. This differs from the flowchart Fig. 1 in that a hot press step is added before conditioning.

Fig. 4 shows a very schematic cross-sectional view of a possible manufacturing plant 1 'for the process Fig. 3 , This differs by the plant Fig. 2 in that in addition a pressing unit 60 is provided.

Fig. 5 shows a flowchart for a manufacturing method of an insulation board made of chips according to a third embodiment of the invention. This essentially follows the diagram Fig.1 ; also the plant off Fig. 2 can be used analogously for the production of insulation boards from chips.

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart for a manufacturing method of a chipboard according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. This essentially follows the diagram Figure 3 ; also the plant off Fig. 4 can be used analogously for the production of insulation boards from chips.

The present invention will be further described by the following examples, which are to be considered as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

1) Production of a wood fiber insulation board with 160 kg / m ³ , thickness 40 mm, 10% UF resin

The wood fibers were glued with 10% (atro fiber) urea-formaldehyde resin using the blender method. After web formation, the fibers were heated with 160 ° C hot air and a

Air velocity of 14 m / s for 180 seconds to a temperature of 140 ° C throughout the fleece flows through. Immediately after reaching the temperature, the web was transferred to the immediately adjacent steam system where the entire nonwoven web was heated to about 180 ° C with saturated steam at 108 ° C for 10 seconds. Subsequently, the air conditioning was carried out in standard climate, before the wood fiber insulation was tested according to the valid standards.

• Querzugfestigkeit (laut Norm EN 1607): 0,06 N/mm² (Soll: 0,04 N/mm²), zum Vergleich eine identische Holzfaserdämmstoffplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 0,03 N/mm².
• Wasseraufnahme (laut Norm EN 1609): 0,8 kg/m² (nach 4 h), zum Vergleich eine identische Holzfaserdämmstoffplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 1,3 kg/m² (4 h).

Results:

• Transverse tensile strength (according to standard EN 1607): 0.06 N / mm ² (nominal: 0.04 N / mm ² ), for comparison an identical wood fiber insulation board without prior hot air treatment (steam only): 0.03 N / mm ² .
• Water absorption (according to standard EN 1609): 0.8 kg / m ² (after 4 h), for comparison an identical wood fiber insulation board without prior hot air treatment (only steam): 1.3 kg / m ² (4 h).

2) Production of a wood fiber insulation board with 160 kg / m ³ , thickness 40 mm, 4% PMDI

The wood fibers were glued with 4% (atro fiber) PMDI blender. After the web formation, the fibers were passed through with 160 ° C hot air and an air velocity of 14 m / s for 180 seconds to a temperature of 140 ° C throughout the nonwoven. Immediately after reaching the temperature, the web was transferred to the immediately adjacent steam system where the entire nonwoven web was heated to about 180 ° C with saturated steam at 108 ° C for 10 seconds. Subsequently, the air conditioning was carried out in standard climate, before the wood fiber insulation was tested according to the valid standards.

• Querzugfestigkeit (laut Norm EN 1607): 0,06 N/mm² (Soll: 0,04 N/mm²), zum Vergleich eine identische Holzfaserdämmstoffplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 0,035 N/mm²
• Wasseraufnahme (laut Norm EN 1609): 0,7 kg/m² (nach 4 h), zum Vergleich eine identische Holzfaserdämmstoffplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 1,25 kg/m² (4 h)

Results:

• Transverse tensile strength (according to standard EN 1607): 0.06 N / mm ² (nominal: 0.04 N / mm ² ), for comparison an identical wood fiber insulating board without prior hot air treatment (only steam): 0.035 N / mm ²
• Water absorption (according to standard EN 1609): 0.7 kg / m ² (after 4 h), for comparison an identical wood fiber insulation board without prior hot air treatment (only steam): 1.25 kg / m ² (4 h)

3) Production of a wood fiber multi-component fiber insulation material with 100 kg / m ³ , thickness 60 mm

Wood fibers were mixed with 10% plastic multi-component fibers (sheath consisting of polyethylene, core consisting of polypropylene). After web formation, the fibers were flowed through with 150 ° C. hot air and an air speed of 12 m / s for 120 seconds up to a temperature of 120 ° C. throughout the nonwoven. Immediately after reaching the temperature, the fleece was conveyed further into the directly adjoining steam system, where the entire nonwoven fabric was heated to about 160 ° C. with superheated steam for a few seconds.

4) Production of a wood fiber insulation board with 200 kg / m ³ , thickness 40 mm, enzyme mediator system

The wood fibers were glued using the enzyme-mediator system (10 U / ml laccase, and 10 mM mediator (4-hydroxybenzoic acid)) using the Blender method. After web formation, the fibers were flowed through with 170 ° C hot air and an air velocity of 14 m / s for 240 seconds up to a temperature of 160 ° C in the entire web. Immediately after reaching the temperature, the fleece was conveyed to the directly adjacent steam system where the entire nonwoven fabric was heated to about 180 ° C with 110 ° C superheated steam for 10 seconds. Subsequently, the air conditioning was carried out in standard climate, before the wood fiber insulation was tested according to the valid standards.

• Querzugfestigkeit (laut Norm EN 1607): 0,04 N/mm² (Soll: 0,04 N/mm²), zum Vergleich eine identische Holzfaserdämmstoffplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 0,015 N/mm².
• Wasseraufnahme (laut Norm EN 1609): 1 kg/m² (nach 4 h), zum Vergleich eine identische Holzfaserdämmstoffplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 1,7 kg/m² (4 h).

Results:

• Transverse tensile strength (according to standard EN 1607): 0.04 N / mm ² (nominal: 0.04 N / mm ² ), for comparison an identical wood fiber insulating board without prior hot air treatment (only steam): 0.015 N / mm ² .
• Water absorption (according to standard EN 1609): 1 kg / m ² (after 4 h), for comparison an identical wood fiber insulation board without prior hot air treatment (only steam): 1.7 kg / m ² (4 h).

5) Production of a wood fiber insulation board with 160 kg / m ³ , thickness 40 mm, wheat protein glue and 1% PMDI

The wood fibers were glued with 15% (atro fiber) wheat protein glue and 1% PMDI glue using the blender method. After web formation, the fibers were flowed through with 170 ° C hot air and an air velocity of 14 m / s for 180 seconds up to a temperature of 140 ° C throughout the nonwoven. Immediately after reaching the temperature, the fleece was conveyed to the directly adjacent steam system where the entire nonwoven fabric was heated to about 180 ° C with 110 ° C superheated steam for 10 seconds. Subsequently, the air conditioning was carried out in standard climate, before the wood fiber insulation was tested according to the valid standards.

• Querzugfestigkeit (laut Norm EN 1607): 0,06 N/mm² (Soll: 0,04 N/mm²), zum Vergleich eine identische Holzfaserdämmstoffplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 0,04 N/mm².
• Wasseraufnahme (laut Norm EN 1609): 0,9 kg/m² (nach 4 h), zum Vergleich eine identische Holzfaserdämmstoffplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 1,4 kg/m² (4 h).

Results:

• Transverse tensile strength (according to standard EN 1607): 0.06 N / mm ² (nominal: 0.04 N / mm ² ), for comparison an identical wood fiber insulating board without prior hot air treatment (only steam): 0.04 N / mm ² .
• Water absorption (according to standard EN 1609): 0.9 kg / m ² (after 4 h), for comparison an identical wood fiber insulation board without prior hot air treatment (only steam): 1.4 kg / m ² (4 h).

6) Production of an MDF board with 800 kg / m ³ , thickness 10 mm; Enzyme-mediator system

The wood fibers were coated using the enzyme mediator system (50 U / ml laccase and 10 mM mediator (4-hydroxybenzoic acid) in a blender process.) After sputtering, the fibers were heated with 150 ° C hot air and an air velocity of 18 m / s for 60 Immediately after the temperature had been reached, the fleece was conveyed further into the directly adjoining steam system and passed through saturated steam at 108 ° C. for 5 seconds, immediately after reaching the temperature of 160 ° C. the web was transferred to a hot press, where the nonwoven fabric was pressed at a pressure of 22 N / mm ² for 6 s / mm at 190 ° C. Thereafter, the air conditioning was carried out under standard conditions before the MDF board was tested according to the valid standards.

• Querzugfestigkeit (laut Norm EN 319): 0,9 N/mm² (Soll: 0,6 N/mm²); zum Vergleich eine identische MDF-Platte ohne vorherige Heißluft-/Heißdampfbehandlung (nur Heißpressen): 0,3 N/mm²
• Wasseraufnahme (laut Norm EN 317): 13 % (24 h) (Soll max.: 15 % nach 24 h); zum Vergleich eine identische MDF-Platte ohne Heißluft-/Heißdampfbehandlung: 57 % (24 h)

Results:

• Transverse tensile strength (according to standard EN 319): 0.9 N / mm ² (nominal: 0.6 N / mm ² ); For comparison, an identical MDF board without prior hot air / superheated steam treatment (hot pressing only): 0.3 N / mm ²
• Water absorption (according to standard EN 317): 13% (24 h) (target max .: 15% after 24 h); For comparison, an identical MDF board without hot air / superheated steam treatment: 57% (24 h)

7) Manufacture of MDF sheet of 800 kg / m ³ , thickness 10 mm, 10% UF resin

The wood fibers were blown using 10% (atro fiber) urea-formaldehyde resin blow-blown. After web formation, the fibers were flowed through with 150 ° C hot air and an air velocity of 18 m / s for 60 seconds to a temperature of 120 ° C throughout the web. Immediately after reaching the temperature, the fleece was conveyed further into the directly adjoining steam system and flowed through with saturated steam at 108 ° C. for 5 seconds. Immediately after reaching the temperature of 160 ° C, the fleece was conveyed to a hot press, where the nonwoven fabric with a pressure of 22 N / mm ² for 3 s / mm at 190 ° C was pressed. Subsequently, the air conditioning was carried out in standard climate, before the MDF panel was checked according to the valid standards.

• Querzugfestigkeit (laut Norm EN 319): 1,2 N/mm² (Soll: 0,6 N/mm²); zum Vergleich eine identische MDF-Platte ohne vorherige Heißluft-/Heißdampfbehandlung (nur Heißpressen): 0,6 N/mm²
• Wasseraufnahme (laut Norm EN 317): 7 % (24 h) (Soll max.: 15 % nach 24 h); zum Vergleich eine identische MDF-Platte ohne Heißluft-/Heißdampfbehandlung: 13 % (24 h)

Results:

• Transverse tensile strength (according to standard EN 319): 1.2 N / mm ² (nominal: 0.6 N / mm ² ); For comparison, an identical MDF board without prior hot air / superheated steam treatment (hot pressing only): 0.6 N / mm ²
• Water absorption (according to standard EN 317): 7% (24 h) (target max .: 15% after 24 h); For comparison, an identical MDF board without hot air / superheated steam treatment: 13% (24 h)

8) Production of a chipboard insulation board with 240 kg / m ³ , thickness 40 mm, 12% UF resin

The wood chips were glued with 12% (atro fiber) urea-formaldehyde resin in a chip drum. After the formation of the chip mat (chip cake), the chips were flowed through with 160 ° C hot air and an air velocity of 16 m / s for 120 seconds to a temperature of 120 ° C throughout the chip cake. Immediately after reaching the temperature, the chip cake was conveyed to the steam system immediately adjacent, where the chip mat was heated to about 170 ° C with 100 ° C superheated steam for 10 seconds. Subsequently, the air conditioning was carried out in standard climate, before the wood chip insulation was tested according to the valid standards.

• Querzugfestigkeit (gemessen wurde in Anlehnung an die Norm EN 1607): 0,06 N/mm²; zum Vergleich eine identische Holzspan-Dämmplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 0,025 N/mm².
• Wasseraufnahme (gemessen wurde in Anlehnung an die Norm EN 1609): 0,7 kg/m² (nach 4 h); zum Vergleich eine identische Holzspan-Dämmplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 1,2 kg/m² (4 h).

Results:

• Transverse tensile strength (measured in accordance with standard EN 1607): 0.06 N / mm ² ; For comparison, an identical chipboard insulation board without prior hot air treatment (steam only): 0.025 N / mm ² .
• Water absorption (measured in accordance with standard EN 1609): 0.7 kg / m ² (after 4 h); For comparison, an identical chipboard insulation panel without prior hot air treatment (steam only): 1.2 kg / m ² (4 h).

9) Production of a wood chip insulation board with 240 kg / m ³ , thickness 40 mm, 5% PMDI

The wood chips were glued with 5% (atro fiber) PMDI glue in a chip drum. After the formation of the chip mat (chip cake), the chips were flowed through with 160 ° C hot air and an air velocity of 16 m / s for 120 seconds to a temperature of 120 ° C throughout the chip cake. Immediately after reaching the temperature, the chip cake was conveyed to the steam system immediately adjacent, where the chip mat was heated with 100 ° C hot saturated steam at about 170 ° C for 10 seconds. Subsequently, the air conditioning was carried out in standard climate, before the chipboard was checked according to the valid standards.

• Querzugfestigkeit (gemessen wurde in Anlehnung an die Norm EN 1607): 0,072 N/mm²; zum Vergleich eine identische Holzspan-Dämmplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 0,035 N/mm².
• Wasseraufnahme (gemessen wurde in Anlehnung an die Norm EN 1609): 0,6 kg/m² (nach 4 h); zum Vergleich eine identische Holzspan-Dämmplatte ohne vorherige Heißluftbehandlung (nur Dampf): 1,0 kg/m² (4 h).

Results:

• Transverse tensile strength (measured in accordance with standard EN 1607): 0.072 N / mm ² ; For comparison, an identical chipboard insulation board without prior hot air treatment (only steam): 0.035 N / mm ² .
• Water absorption (measured in accordance with standard EN 1609): 0.6 kg / m ² (after 4 h); For comparison, an identical chipboard insulation board without prior hot air treatment (steam only): 1.0 kg / m ² (4 h).

The individual combinations of the components and the features of the already mentioned embodiments are exemplary; the exchange and substitution of these teachings with other teachings contained in this document with the references cited are also expressly contemplated. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations, modifications and other implementations described herein may also occur without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. The word used in the claims does not exclude other ingredients or steps. The indefinite article "a" does not exclude the meaning of a plural. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not make it clear that a combination of these measures can not be used to the advantage. The scope of the invention is defined in the following claims and the associated equivalents.

Claims (10)

1. Method for producing wood-based and/or composite materials comprising the steps of

   a) providing/producing a mixture of a binder and a thermohydrolytically, mechanically, thermomechanically, chemically or chemi-thermomechanically chopped and/or digested lignocellulose-containing material;

   b) flowing hot air through the mixture;

   c) flowing hot steam through the mixture;

   characterized in that
   the hot air has a steam content of ≤ 10%.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the wood-based and/or composite materials are selected from the group consisting of fiber composite materials, chipboards and oriented or unoriented structural boards as well as insulation materials and insulation boards.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermohydrolytically, mechanically, thermomechanically, chemically or chemi-thermomechanically chopped and/or digested lignocellulose-containing material consists of fibers, chips, strands or mixtures thereof.
4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein step b) is carried out for a duration from ≥ 2 s to ≤ 1 h.
5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air in step b) has a velocity from ≥ 0.1 m/s to ≤ 25 m/s.
6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in step a) the mixture of a binder and a mechanically or thermomechanically chopped and/or digested lignocellulose-containing material is provided in a mat or web form.
7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein step c) is carried out by use of wet and/or saturated steam.
8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein step c) is carried out with hot steam having a temperature from ≥ 80°C to ≤ 120°C.
9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein step c) is carried out for a duration from ≥ 1 s to ≤ 80 s.
10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein step b) is carried out with hot air having a temperature from ≥ 80°C to ≤ 260°C.

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