2.2. Characterization of MDF Fines

The surface morphology of MDF fines and elemental composition prior to and after treatment were evaluated using a Hitachi Regulus SU8230 Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (Hitachi High-Tech, Ibaraki, Japan). The samples were coated with platinum to minimize charging whilst under the beam. The distribution of the functional groups on the MDF fines’ surface was evaluated using a PerkinElmer Spectrum 400 Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer (PerkinElmer, Shelton, CT, USA) using the KBr disk method (scanning range: 4000–450 cm⁻¹ and resolution: 4 cm⁻¹). The surface area of the MDF fines was estimated using an Autosorb iQ (Quantachrome, Boynton Beach, FL, USA) surface area analyzer. Prior to the analysis, MDF fines were degassed at 105 °C for 18 h to remove residual volatiles and moisture. The isotherm data were collected using N₂ gas in the relative pressure range of 10⁻³–1. The X-ray diffractogram was recorded on a Panalytical Empyrean multi-purpose X-ray diffractometer in the scanning range of 5°–70° 2θ (Panalytical, Malvern, UK). Thermogravimetric analysis of the sample was carried out using an SDT 650 thermal analyzer (TA instruments, New Castle, DE, USA) in the temperature range of 30–800 °C at a 10 °C min⁻¹ heating rate.