Comparing Properties of North American Manufactured Particleboard and Medium Density Fiberboard - Part II: Medium Density Fiberboard

The properties of medium density fiberboard (MDF) derived from different manufacturing plants were compared. Each plant provided 5 full-sized (2440 by 1220 mm) 155-grade panels that were tested according to ANSI A208.2-2009. None of the panels met the recommended value for Internal Bond (IB). Mean values for Thickness Swell (TS) were all significantly different, with one manufacturer below the standard. Three manufacturers exceeded the recommended face Screw Withdrawal Resistance (fSWR) values, one was equal to it, and one failed. Three manufacturers exceeded the edge SWR (eSWR) standard, and the remaining two fell below. Two manufacturers met the standard for Modulus of Rupture (MOR), and only one manufacturer failed to meet the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) requirements. Linear Expansion (LE) was evaluated for a RH change from 50 to 90%. The panels made with pMDI-resin consistently had some of the highest mean values for MOR, MOE, fSWR, and IB and exhibited good performance in the TS test.