Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a type of engineered wood composite made up of wood fibres that will mix with resin binders and wax.
Origin
MDF’s development can be traced back to the early 1960s. It was created as an improvement over earlier forms of fiberboard, such as hardboard and low-density fiberboard. The process of creating MDF was developed in the United States. Companies sought to create a denser, more uniform wood product that could be used in a wider variety of applications.
Manufacturing Process
MDF production involves breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, combining them with wax and resin, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. This process allows for a smooth, consistent product that can be easily machined and finished.
Properties of MDF
- Density: Higher than particleboard, usually around 600-800 kg/m³.
- Strength: Stronger and more durable than particleboard.
- Surface: Smooth and uniform, suitable for painting and laminating.
- Weight: Heavier than particleboard.
- Moisture Resistance: Better than particleboard but still susceptible to swelling if not properly sealed
Uses
- As MDF board is a versatile material that can be used to make a variety of furniture and other decorative elements like cabinet doors, shelves in storage units that can handle the load, kitchen cabinets, mouldings, etc.
- With MDF you can add style and glam to your walls, It is used to create decorative wall cladding.
- Because of its moisture-resistant property MDF can be used to create bathroom furniture, cabinets, shelving, etc.
- MDF can minimize vibration as it is a dense material which is why it is a good choice to create speaker cabinets.
- MDF boards can also be used to make floor panels.
- As you can cut MDF in any shape and size, it is a great option to use as a divider for living rooms, office cabins and studio apartments.
Particleboard
Particleboard is another type of engineered wood made from wood chips, sawmill shavings, or even sawdust, bound together with resin and pressed into sheets.
Origin
Particleboard originated during World War II due to the scarcity of solid wood. It was initially developed in Germany as a way to use wood waste efficiently.Development: The process of making particleboard was industrialized in the 1940s and 1950s. It became popular in the post-war period as an affordable alternative to solid wood.
Manufacturing Process
Particleboard is made by mixing wood chips, sawmill shavings, or sawdust with a synthetic resin or other binder, pressing the mixture into sheets under heat and pressure. This method allowed for the utilization of wood waste and produced a cost-effective building material.
Properties of Particleboard
- Density: Lower than MDF, typically around 500-800 kg/m³.
- Strength: Weaker than MDF; prone to splitting and crumbling.
- Surface: Rough and porous, often requires a veneer or laminate for a smooth finish.
- Weight: Lighter than MDF.
- Moisture Resistance: Poor, swells and deteriorates when exposed to moisture.
Uses
- It is used as a wall partition, as a particle board has thermal and sound insulation properties.
- Particle board is used to make lightweight furniture such as shoe racks, computer tables, television cabinets, bookshelves, wardrobes, etc.
- There are several uses of particle board on a commercial scale as well like it is used in speaker boxes, sewing machine tops, display boards and automobile parts.
- By laminating particle boards, their durability can be increased, and they can be used as underlayment and shutter for various storage units.
- Particle board has a good screw-holding capacity which is why particle board is recommended for making furniture connected by screws.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/medium-density-fiberboard