Skip to main content

Hardboard

Hardboard consists of lignocellulosic fibre (e.g. wood, straw, bagasse) of thickness of up to 8 mm and a density ≥ 900 kg/m³. Hardboard is manufactured using heat and pressure. Most hardboards are produced in a "wet process", where a fibre moisture content of more than 20 % at the forming stage is common. In these hardboards, one face is rough due to the use of a mesh screen for dewatering. Boards manufactured in the "dry process" exhibit smooth surfaces on both sides. The panels are bonded primarily by felting of the fibres and their inherent adhesive properties. Usually, only small amounts of a synthetic binder are added to the fibres. By incorporating additives (e.g. hydrophobic agents, fungicides, fire retardants) or post-treatments certain properties of the board can be altered. Due to their visco-elastic behaviour boards can be shaped during processing, and bends with a radius less than 25 cm are possible.

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)

MDF is manufactured in a "dry process" with a synthetic adhesive. Boards are categorised according to their density: High Density Fibreboard (HDF) with a density ≥ 800 kg/m³, light MDF (L-MDF) with a density ≤ 650 kg/m³ and ultra light MDF (UL-MDF) with a density ≤ 550 kg/m³. By changing the composition of the synthetic binder or by incorporation of other additives enhanced properties can be provided. Properties such as fire resistance, moisture resistance and resistance against biological attack can be altered. Vapour permeable fibreboards are a special product within the range of fibreboards. Moisture can easily pass through the permeable boards to the outside. Often tongue and grove profiles on two or four sides of the board, simplify installation of these panels in practice.

Mediumboard

Medium board is manufactured from lignocellulosic fibre (e.g. wood, straw, bagasse) in a density range of 400 kg/m³ to 900 kg/m³. Only panels with a density ≥ 560 kg/m³ are suitable for structural applications. Most medium boards are produced in a "wet process". In these medium boards, one face is rough due to the use of a mesh screen for dewatering. Boards manufactured by the "dry process" exhibit smooth surfaces on both sides. The panels are bonded primarily by felting of the fibres and their inherent adhesive properties . Usually, only small amounts of a synthetic binder are added to the fibres. By incorporating additives (e.g. hydrophobing agents, fungicides, fire retardants) or post-treatments certain properties of the board can be altered.

Softboard

Softboard is generally used as insulating board due to its thermal and acoustic properties. Softboard is manufactured using heat and pressure. Most softboards are produced in a "wet process", where a fibre moisture content of more than 20 % at the forming stage is common. The range in density is ≥ 230 kg/m³ up to < 400 kg/m³. By incorporating additives certain properties can be improved, e.g. fire resistance and moisture resistance.