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Timber and timber products
Published in Arthur Lyons, Materials for Architects and Builders, 2019
The manufacture of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) involves the addition of adhesive, usually urea formaldehyde, to the dry wood fibres, which are laid up to an appropriate thickness, slightly compressed to a density of at least 450 kg/m3 and cut to board lengths. Alternative adhesives include melamine urea formaldehyde and isocyanate resins. The boards are cured under heat and pressure in a press, trimmed to size and sanded. MDF has the advantage of a high-quality, machinable finish, and is now used for the production of various mouldings as well as boards. Decorative profiled sheets can be manufactured by laser cutting of MDF panels to individual client designs. Because of the uniformity of the material, solid sections can be routed to any form. It is therefore widely used for furniture panels as well as internal load-bearing applications.
Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Published in Phil Hughes, Ed Ferrett, Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction, 2015
Wood dust can be hazardous, particularly when it is hardwood dust, which is known, in rare cases, to lead to nasal cancer. Composite boards, such as medium-density fibreboard {MDF), are hazardous due to the resin bonding material used, which can also be carcinogenic. There are three types of wood-based boards available: laminated board, particle board and fibreboard. The resins used to bond the fibreboard together contain formaldehyde (usually urea formaldehyde). It is generally recognised that formaldehyde is 'probably carcinogenic to humans' and is subject to a WEL. At low exposure levels, it can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and can lead to dermatitis, asthma and rhinitis. The main problems are most likely to occur when the MDF is being machined and dust is produced. A suitable risk assessment should be made and gloves and appropriate masks should always be worn when machining MDF. However, it is important to stress that safer materials are available which do not contain formaldehyde and these should be considered for use in the first instance.
Properties and applications of engineering materials
Published in Alan Darbyshire, Charles Gibson, Mechanical Engineering, 2023
Alan Darbyshire, Charles Gibson
MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is a fibrous wood composite that has seen many applications in recent years. It consists of fine wood fibres in a resin which is bonded under heat and pressure. The result is a dense, flat and stiff material which is easily machined. It can be cut and drilled without damaging the surface and it can be painted to give a high-quality finish.
The risk factors for occupational contact dermatitis among workers in a medium density fiberboard furniture factory in Eastern Thailand
Published in Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health, 2021
Anamai Thetkathuek, Tanongsak Yingratanasuk, Wiwat Ekburanawat, Wanlop Jaidee, Teerayuth Sa-ngiamsak
The transformation of Thailand and its economy from primarily agricultural to mainly industrial has resulted in an increased number of factories associated with various industries,1 including furniture manufacturing, which is expanding around 4,683 medium factories and 132 large factories.2 Furniture made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is currently highly popular. Workers in factories making furniture using MDF are exposed to various chemicals, which can include formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resin during the process of board formation, which are carcinogen and both allergens and irritants. The proportion of urea-formaldehyde resin in MDF board is approximately 8–18%.3 Workers have direct contact with both formaldehyde and resin on their hands, fingers, and arms, which can induce allergic contact dermatitis. The most concern is exposure to formaldehyde vapor that is emitted from the product. The glue used in MDF is usually urea formaldehyde (UF). They also experience indirect contact with these substances via airborne exposure.
An analysis of cleaner production planning by applying analytic hierarchy process: a wood industry case study
Published in International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 2021
Fatemeh Hasani Khorshidi, Majid Azizi, Charles Ray, Mohammad Mahdi Faezipour, Hamid Zarea Hosseinabadi
Medium density fibreboard (MDF) is a wood-based panel that comprises a web of wood fibres, binder, wax, and other chemicals that affect its properties and quality. In addition to fibres and chemicals, the process of producing particleboards and medium density fibreboards requires the consumption of significant energy. As a result, one of the most important environmental issues related to the production of these products is energy consumption (Kouchaki-Penchah et al. 2016). There have been many studies (e.g., Wilson (2010a), Wilson (2010b), Meil et al. (2010), Pullen (2000), and Lawson and Rudder (1996)) demonstrating the importance of energy consumption in various modern wood products operations. In contrast to the findings of these studies, Kouchaki-Penchah et al. (2016) showed that the average energy consumption in cradle-to-gate studies of medium density fibreboard production is much higher in Iran.
Effect of medium-density fiberboard wastes ash on calcium silicate hydrate crystal of concrete
Published in Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2023
Hamid Kazemi, Rabar H. Faraj, Wrya Abdullah, Shahriar Shahbazpanahi, Amir Mosavi
One engineered wood product is Medium-density fiber (MDF) which is created by residuals of soft-wood or hard-wood as wood fibers. These wood fibers are combined with a resin binder as well as wax and then shaped into panels by applying pressure at high temperatures (Spence 2005). The MDF are measured and packed after cooling. Today, in addition to soft woods, other materials such as cereal stalks, rice, straw, sugarcane, and recycled papers are used to make MDF (Spence 2005). MDFs are used amongst other things for flooring, cabinets, and furniture. MDF production in the world has increased due to rising demand. For instance, 100 million cubic meters were produced worldwide in 2018 (Hagel et al. 2021).