Medium Density Fibreboard: A Review

Abstract

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down softwood into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and resin, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. It is a building material similar in application to plywood but made up of separated fibres, not wood veneers. It is denser than normal particleboard. MDF typically has a density of 600–800 kg/m³. It is also known as Customwood or Craftwood. It was first developed in the United States during the 1960s. It is easier to machine than natural wood and can be laminated and painted to produce almost any board finish. It can be sawed and shaped very evenly and smoothly—a process which cannot be achieved to the same degree with particle boards. It can be nailed, stapled, routed, sanded and screwed just like any natural wood product. It has mechanical and physical characteristics approaching the levels associated with solid wood and, in many applications, can be used as an ideal substitute for solid wood. Typical applications in furniture include drawer bottoms, backs of cabinets and centre panels in framed doors. In building interiors, thin MDF can be used for wall and ceiling panelling, as skins for flush doors, partitioning, office screens, lightweight doors and exhibition panelling. Given developments in High Moisture Resistant panel boards, MDF is finding growing markets for exterior applications as well. Thin MDF has found its way into novel applications such as shoemaking, motor vehicle interior parts, toys, printed circuit board production and blades for electric fans. For versatile use and great importance, these materials can be considered one of the substitutes for solid wood. Further research should be undertaken to introduce MDF to the market to conserve forest resources and ensure maximum utilization of forest products.