Particle Board Information

Particle board is also called waferboard or chipboard.

Particle board and similar products are usually produced or reconstituted lumber products as opposed to solid timber. These types of materials were launched to the building sector around the 1940s and they are so popular today that virtually every modern home contains at least a little particle board.

History

Patent applications issued in the United States and Europe between the years 1905 and 1937 indicate that particle board was first invented and described during that time. In 1941, the first commercial particle board plant was opened in Germany and the US was soon to follow. After World War II, Europe experienced a lumbar shortage which helped to stimulate particle board construction. In the mid-1960s medium-density fiberboard was invented.

Uses

Particle board has a wide variety of uses in home construction, furniture production and countless other industries. Today, particle board is typically used as a core material in furniture, cabinets, doors and similar structures. Particle board is often covered with a decorative veneer. Builders use particle board to finish floors before laying down carpet, as an underlay on staircases and treads and in mobile home production. The demand continues to increase for particle board. More and more solid-wood products are being replaced with particle board material.

Manufacturing

Particle board is manufactured by pressing sawdust and wood shavings into sheets and bonding the material with urea formaldehyde or an alternative synthetic resin. Once dried and cured, particle board can be cut, shaped and used in the production a multitude of products. The manufacturing of medium-density particle board is very similar to that of particle board. Wood fibers are bonded with urea formaldehyde or other synthetic resin.

Drawbacks

Unfortunately, there are several drawbacks to the mass-production and use of particle board and fiberboard. Although originally designed to utilize solid wood production byproducts, such as sawdust and trimmings, increasing demands for particle board and fiberboard have created a situation where virgin lumber is being harvested for particle board production. This can present an environmental concern depending upon geographic location. Also, the formaldehyde used as a bonding agent presents some serious health concerns. Formaldehyde exposure, even in very small amounts, can increase the risk of nasal and lung cancer. Long-term exposure can cause menstrual and pregnancy problems for women.

Green Alternatives

New methods of production that are similar to that of traditional particle board utilize agriculture waste and organic material. Straw, sunflower hulls, recycled newspaper and natural, soy-based resins are innovative new ingredients that are used to make Earth-friendly, healthier alternatives to particle board and fiberboard. It is estimated that the United States' total waste includes about 16 million tons of recoverable wood waste from construction and demolition sites. Another 79 million tons of recoverable paper waste is discarded each year and could provide a source of fiber for fiberboard production.

References

• Idaho Forest Products: Particle Board
• Michigan State University Extension: Wood Finishing
• City of San Diego Environmental Services: Particleboard