Dimensional Stability of Particleboard and MDF for Use as Substrates for Lamination, 2004 Decorative & Industrial Laminates Symposium

Particleboard and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) are composite products primarily composed of wood particles and fibers, bonded with adhesives, and often modified with other additives. Both composites display uniform thickness, resistance to cracking and splitting, and are free of voids and surface imperfections, which make them ideal substrates for lamination. Wood swells and contracts depending on the amount of moisture in the board, and laminators should follow certain guidelines when selecting substrates for lamination. The effects of moisture changes in the panels can be minimized with proper storage and handling as well as with balanced construction to minimize warp. The impact of moisture changes on the dimensional stability of panels can be described by several standardized test methods, which include various cycles of exposure to temperature and moisture extremes. The influence of adhesive type on several of these methods is described. Different adhesive families are shown to perform better in different types of tests, suggesting that the panel manufacturers may choose one type or another depending on the test method included on the performance requirements they need to meet for each application.