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Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

OSB is a multi-layered wood-based composite. The individual layers consist of long slender wood strands bonded by a polymeric adhesive. The strands in the surface layers are oriented in the major axis of the board. The high aspect ratio of the strands (length to width 10:1) increases the board's bending strength in the direction of the strand. Strands in the core layer can be distributed randomly but generally they are aligned perpendicular to the grain of the surface layer (minor axis).

Particleboard

Particleboards are products manufactured from wood particles or particles from lignocellulosic raw materials using a binder. Additives such as wax emulsion for increased water resistance or wood preservatives may also be added. Particleboards usually contain several layers of materials or are pressed with gradual transition between layers. The relatively small particles are not aligned in a particular way, but are generally oriented parallel in the plane of the board. The boards are generally manufactured in continuous presses at high temperatures.

Cement-bonded particleboard

Cement-bonded particleboards are wood composites consisting of wood particles or other natural fibres (such as hemp or flax) and a mineral bonding agent (e.g. Portland cement). The boards have a smooth grey surface. Cement-bonded particleboards are manufactured as single-layered (homogeneous structure) or multilayered boards and also as sandwich composites (e.g. in combination with rigid foam or cork insulation boards). Depending on their density, these boards are used for acoustic and thermal insulation, as non-load-bearing internal walls and as load-bearing and bracing panelling. The boards are suitable for exterior use. They are resistant to weather, freezing, insect and fungi attack.

Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL)

LSL is a wood-based composite manufactured from water resistant adhesive and poplar wood strands measuring 0,8 mm in thickness, 25 mm width and 300 mm in length. As the wood strands are encapsulated in adhesive and due to the homogenous structure of the composite, LSL is partly weather-resistant (exposure to direct weathering should be avoided). Two types of LSL can be distinguished: Boards where the strands are all aligned in the direction of the major axis of the product and boards where a portion of the strands are aligned in the direction of the minor axis of the product. The former are suitable for use as beams, rafters, sills, columns and the latter for use as walls, floors and ceilings.