Particle board or chipboard is an economical wood-based material widely used in the furniture industry. Produced by mixing wood chips with synthetic resins and pressing, particle board stands out with its affordable cost and easy workability.
What is Particle Board?
Particle Board is a composite board obtained by mixing wood chips of various sizes with urea formaldehyde or melamine resins and pressing under high pressure and temperature. Its density typically ranges between 650-750 kg/m³.
Particle Board Production Process
- Chip Preparation: Wood raw material is broken down into chips in special machines
- Drying: Chips are dried to 2-4% moisture content
- Screening: Chips are separated according to their sizes
- Gluing: Chips are mixed with resin
- Laying: The mixture is laid in layers
- Pressing: Pressed at 180-220°C temperature
- Cooling and Sizing: Boards are cooled and cut
Types of Particle Board
1. Standard Particle Board
The most common type of particle board. Used in general furniture applications. Density is between 650-700 kg/m³.
2. Melamine Faced Particle Board
Particle boards with melamine paper surface. Resistant to water and scratching. Preferred in kitchen cabinets and office furniture.
3. Moisture Resistant Particle Board (V-100)
Moisture resistant particle board type produced with special resins. Used in bathroom furniture and humid environments. Produced in green color.
4. Fire Resistant Particle Board
Produced by adding fire retardant chemicals. Used in public buildings and areas requiring special security.
5. Light Particle Board
Produced with density lower than 550 kg/m³. Preferred in applications requiring ease of transportation.
Particle Board Applications
- Furniture Manufacturing: Cabinet bodies, shelf systems, table tops
- Construction Industry: Wall coverings, suspended ceiling applications
- Packaging Industry: Heavy load packaging, pallets
- Decoration: Wall panels, partition elements
- Flooring Substrate: Laminate flooring substrate material
Advantages of Particle Board
- Economical: More affordable compared to MDF and plywood
- Lightweight: Provides easy transportation and assembly
- Wide Size Options: Can be produced in different thicknesses and dimensions
- Good Sound Insulation: Porous structure increases sound absorption
- Eco-Friendly: Can be produced from waste wood
Disadvantages of Particle Board
- Low Moisture Resistance: Standard particle board is sensitive to water
- Screw Holding Power: Lower than MDF
- Edge Processing: Edges can easily crumble
- Weight Bearing: May sag under heavy loads
Things to Consider When Choosing Particle Board
The right particle board selection should consider the place and purpose of use:
- Thickness: Ranges from 8mm to 30mm, should be selected according to usage area
- Density: High density should be preferred for load-bearing elements
- Coating: Melamine-coated models should be selected for visible surfaces
- Emission Class: E1 or E0 class low formaldehyde emission products should be preferred
Particle Board Maintenance and Usage Tips
- Should be wiped with a damp cloth, avoiding excessive wetting
- Cut edges should be covered with PVC tape or edge banding
- Support elements should be used for heavy loads
- Pre-drilling should be done with a drill at screw locations
- Should be protected from direct sunlight
Conclusion
Particle board is an important furniture material offering economical and practical solutions. With the right selection and proper use, durable and functional furniture can be produced. It is an ideal choice especially for budget-friendly projects and invisible areas.