The chipboard it is a wooden panel made by mixing using synthetic resins and hot compressing the chopped waste from natural wood processing, such as sawdust, shavings and bark fragments. This material was invented during the Second World War: in a period in which solid wood was in short supply, the need for alternative materials pushed manufacturers to devise a system for reusing manufacturing waste in order to obtain a resistant and versatile material. It is considered one of the cheapest and most popular alternatives to solid wood, thanks to its low cost and adaptability.
How chipboard is produced: the characteristics
The production of chipboard is an ingenious process that allows you to reuse waste materials. Wood waste is collected and cleaned for eliminate impurities. Once crushed into homogeneous particles, they are mixed with adhesive resins. The compound is then compacted and hot pressed to form solid panels, which are then smooth and, often, coated with laminates or veneers to improve aesthetics and resistance. Even though it is a recycled material, it is used for some designer furniture covered with glossy laminates or noble wood veneers.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of chipboard
On the one hand, chipboard is a choice economical And sustainable: allows you to reuse waste materials, reducing the amount of waste coming from the wood industries. Furthermore, the panels can be recycled up to three times, as long as they are separated from glues or synthetic coatings. Finally, let’s remember his versatility: Easily cut, it can be used to produce a large quantity of furniture.
On the other hand, it has some limitations. His sensitivity to humidity can cause swelling and deterioration unless treated properly. Furthermore, being less resistant than solid wood, it has a more limited duration. Finally, some resins used to produce it may release formaldehyde, a substance potentially harmful to health. However, in recent years, many companies are developing environmentally friendly resins to reduce this problem. This could open up new possibilities for use in sectors where sustainability is a priority, such as eco-friendly furniture and green building projects.
