Surface property enhancement of impregnated paper decorative panel by MUF-polyelectrolyte complex@Nano-Al2O3 blending

The surface properties of melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) impregnated paper decorative panels are unsatisfactory, characterized by brittle surfaces, poor abrasion resistance, and limited flame retardancy. A modification was introduced to the MUF resin by incorporating a blend of polyelectrolyte complex polyethyleneimine (PEI)-phytic acid (PA) and Nano-Al2O3 with the aim of enhancing the surface properties of the decorative panel. The modified resin underwent characterization, and subsequent analyses were conducted to investigate the properties of both the modified impregnated paper and the decorative panel. The results showed that the thermal stability of the modified resin was improved with a curing temperature of 124 °C. In comparison to the control, the modified impregnated paper showed an increase of 146.0% in tensile strength and 154.5% in elongation at break. The improved toughness of the modified MUF-impregnated paper resulted in a notable upsurge in both surface bond strength and cracking resistance of the decorative panel. The combustion test results indicated that the modified impregnated had a LOI value of 40.0% and self-extinguishing behavior. In addition, due to the inclusion of Nano-Al2O3, the decorative panel exhibited a low abrasion value of only 14.1mg/100r. Overall, the technology proposed in this study can improve the surface properties of decorative panels, increase their added value, and provide a new strategy for modifying MUF resin in the impregnated paper-decorated wood-based panels industry and for researchers.