TIPOS DE MADERAS ARTIFICIALES - CARACTERÍSTICAS Y USOS

Artificial Woods: An Overview

Definition and Environmental Impact

• Artificial woods are made from discarded parts of trees, such as bark, branches, chips, and sawdust, making them environmentally friendly.

• Approximately 80% of furniture today is constructed using a combination of artificial wood and natural wood.

Types of Artificial Wood

• Various types of artificial wood exist, each differing in production processes and common uses. Notable types include chipboard, MDP (Medium Density Particleboard), MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), HDF (High Density Fiberboard), OSB (Oriented Strand Board), and plywood.

Chipboard

• Also known as agglomerate or particle board; made from small shavings mixed with resins under pressure to form panels.

• Advantages include low cost but has limitations in weight support and moisture resistance; commonly used for interior furniture like kitchen countertops and shelves.

Variants of Chipboard

• Standard chipboard lacks additional features; laminated chipboard is covered with melamine or Formica for durability.

• Water-repellent chipboard offers better moisture resistance; fire retardant chipboard includes additives to slow fire spread.

Medium Density Particleboard (MDP)

• Similar to agglomerate but features highly resistant external layers for superior finishing in printing and coating processes.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

• Made from fine wood fibers bonded by resin; offers a uniform structure suitable for various applications including furniture and moldings.

High Density Fiberboard (HDF)

• Composed solely of wood fibers without artificial adhesives; considered biodegradable due to its natural composition.

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

• Constructed from long, narrow wood chips glued together with synthetic resin under heat; less environmental impact due to the use of fast-growing tree species.

Plywood

• Made from thin sheets of reinforced wood glued crosswise with synthetic resins under pressure; enhances dimensional stability resembling solid wood.

Applications of Plywood

• Versatile material used in decorative elements, structural components, naval carpentry, and aeronautical applications.