MDF is made of very
fine wood particles. Typically coniferous woods are used but
deciduous woods are also suitable. Panels have different densities
depending upon the kind of wood used. Panels made with coniferous
woods are lighter in colour and weight than deciduous woods as less
bonding agent is
required.
MDF's primary advantage
is its ease of processing and working. It can be formed, sawn,
milled and drilled. The surface can be painted directly or
foil-coated. MDF bleaches over time when exposed to UV-light.
Untreated MDF is susceptible to fat and dirt
blemishing.
MDF panels are
available in a wide variety of thicknesses from 8 to *0 mm and
densities from 0.*0 to 0.*5 g/cm3. Recently MDF panels have become
available in a variety of
colourings.
According to the
European Panel Federation in ***3 more than *1 million m3 MDF were
produced in Europe. MDF is used primarily for the production of
laminated flooring.
