The functionality and versatility of wood-based composite panels give them universal appeal. When properties such as high strength, light weight, good insulation and ease in use are required, wood-based composite panels become the ideal choice for many applications.
Although wood is widely used as a building material, it naturally has certain shortcomings. Notably, dry wood is inclined to swell and shrink in response to changes in moisture in the atmosphere. Wood is also susceptible to degradation due to attack by microorganisms, like fungi, and is not therefore naturally durable.
These shortcomings have limited the use of solid wood and wood composites in many markets and applications. Poor durability and dimensional stability will, for example, cause wood panels to crack and delaminate over time. The good news is that composites made using acetylated wood chips, particles, fibres, etc. have been demonstrated to have superior dimensional stability and durability, even in changing weather conditions, meaning they may now be used in situations and applications where normal wood panels cannot.
Research with Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI), in Germany concludes that the performance of composites made using Tricoya® particles and fibers is so outstanding that it will allow such composites to enter applications that have not previously been possible. (Note that not all configurations are the same, as wood feed stocks, resin systems and panel forming conditions influence the dimensional stability and durability of the end product.)
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Durability
longer lasting, perfect for outdoor use or wet environments |
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Dimensional Stability
swelling and shrinkage dramatically reduced |
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Sustainable Sources
uses only woods sourced from sustainable resources such as
certified, reclaimed or recycled timber. |
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Environmental Compatibility
non-toxic and recyclable |
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Effective barrier to fungal decay |
| Acetylated Spruce MDF, PF Resin after 14 years in-ground |
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After 14 years in-ground testing the MDF panel produced from acetylated spruce wood fibre was intact, whereas the natural wood fibre panel rotted and disintegrated within the first year of the test.
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| Acetylated Spruce-Based MDF Durability Test |
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| After 25 cycles |
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Freeze-Thaw Cycles: 2-3h freezing at -20 ºC; 2-3h storage in water at 20 ºC
Wet-Dry Cycles: 18h storage in water (> 5 ºC); 6h storage at 60 ºC / 20% RH
After a total of 25 cycles, the sample showed no cracking, swelling or delamination |
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