Paraffin sizing of particleboards - chemical aspects

The relationship between the chemical composition of paraffins and their sizing potential in particleboards was studied. The following observations werde made: 1. The sizing potential of normal hydrocarbons is highly dependent on their chain length. 2. In technical paraffins, the content of isohydrocarbons has a negative influence on their sizing ability. 3. The negative effect of branched-chain paraffins may overcompensate the positive influence of high molecular weight fraction of the normal paraffins. 4. Water absorption is more sensitive to changes in paraffin quality than thickness swelling.