Abstract

For the present study, particle board made using (0.25% wt and 0.5% wt) nanoclay were compared with (0%
and 0.5%) boric acid. Boards were made using synthetic amino resin viz.: Urea formaldehyde resin urea-
formaldehyde (UF) and melamine UF resin (MUF). Dispersion of nanoclay in the UF and MUF resin was done
by mechanical mixing, and it was characterized using X-ray diffraction. Efficacy of nanoclay against white rot
fungus (polyporousversicolour) was studied using agar block method as per IS:4873. Physical and mechanical
properties of the board were evaluated as per IS:3087-2005. Nanoclay reinforcement in the resin did not affect the
physical and mechanical properties of the boards. Nano clay has shown useful effect on controlling the average
weight loss due to white rot fungus in particle board. Nanomer PGV (0.25% and 0.5%) has performed better
than boric acid (0% and 0.5%). The durability against white rot fungus suggests that the presence of nanoclay
significantly increased the durability of the board without affecting the physical and mechanical properties.