STANDARD PARTICLEBOARD	Data Sheet 2 February 2008

Scope

This data sheet applies to Standard Particleboard which is the standard, basic type of Particleboard product. It is not suitable for exterior use, or in interior areas where wetting or prolonged high humidity conditions are likely.

Board Marking

Since Standard Particleboard is the standard or basic product, the practice has developed that the special products (MR and Flooring) are the ones specifically identified by name printed on the sheet or by colour code.

Manufacture

The general manufacturing process is covered in AWPA Data Sheet 1 — Manufacture.

The binder system used for Standard Particleboard is urea formaldehyde. Paraffin wax is added
to the surface layers to provide protection against accidental water spillage.

Product Range

Standard Particleboard is manufactured by AWPA Members in the following thicknesses:

Mechanical and Physical Properties

The Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1859) gives limit values for certain mechanical and physical properties. Table I gives typical values of these properties (rather than limit values) presented in 3 thickness classes:

Moisture Properties

Moisture Content

Particleboard, like other wood based products and many other building materials, will respond to changes in relative humidity of the surrounding air. Board dimensions are closely related to moisture content.

Conditions likely to change the moisture content above or below the 8-12% range normally applying at dispatch from the factory, may give rise to problems. Particleboard should be conditioned to reach the humidity level in which it is to be used. Moisture content will normally be in the range 10-12% when used in buildings intended for human occupancy.

Measurement of moisture content may be achieved by weighing and drying or by using an electric moisture meter.

Absorption and Swelling

The most significant effect of moisture absorption by Particleboard is that of swelling in the thickness. Where this takes place there will be an amount of residual swelling after drying out. Standard Particleboard should not be used in applications where there is a risk of contact with water. MR Particleboard should be used in these cases, or the risk removed by effective protection of board surfaces and edges.

Dimensional Changes

When Standard Particleboard is exposed to changing relative humidity conditions —

• Linear dimensions will change about 0.03-0.06% for each 1% change in moisture content.
• Thickness change will be about 0.3-0.5% for each I % change in moisture content.

Thickness change will be about 0.3-0.5% for each 1% change in moisture content.

Thermal Properties

The Thermal Conductivity of Particleboard varies slightly according to thickness with the usual range being 0.10 to 0.14 W/mK.

Like natural timber, Particleboard has a low thermal capacity.

Within the normal range of temperature variation, Particleboard is dimensionally stable and its strength properties are unaffected.

Acoustic Properties

Sound Transmission Loss is another property that depends greatly on the building element and its method of installation. However as a general figure, Particleboard (16 mm and thicker) should achieve a sound transmission loss of 25 db.

Table 1
Typical Property Values for Standard Particleboard

Dimensional Tolerances

Dimensional Tolerances agreed to by AWPA Members are given in the table below. In some cases, these are tighter tolerances than required by AS/NZS 1859 and may not apply to Particleboard from non-member producers.

Table 2
Dimensional Tolerances

Fire Behaviour

Fire Resistance

Fire Resistance relates to the period for which an element of construction will resist the passage of flame, remain free from collapse and insulate against an excessive temperature rise of the unexposed face. The property relates to a building element and its details of construction, rather than a particular material. Particleboard reacts generally to fire like natural timber. The rate of burning is similar and it does not shatter or delaminate.

This test is relevant when the panel is to be used for wall and ceiling applications. In this test,
AWPA members’ raw particleboard achieved the following results:

Combustibility

Particleboard is combustible. The degree of combustibility varies according to the density and type of board. As with timber, burning will be limited by the formation of charcoal on the surface but shrinkage will tend to cause failure at the joint unless proper consideration has been given to its design.

Fire Hazard

Fire Hazard refers to the surface burning characteristics of a material and indicates whether a material will allow a fire to spread quickly. Smoke developed is also part of hazard assessment.

Fire Hazard is measured by procedures laid down in AS1530 Part 3 and is expressed as Indices. Typical results for Standard Particleboard are:

Specific Building Regulations indicate where materials with specific Early Fire Hazard Indices
can be used.

Biodeterioration

As with most other wood products, Particleboard is susceptible to attack from wood destroying fungi and termites. However moisture contents of over 18% must be maintained before either form of biodeterioration can occur. Under such conditions, Standard Particleboard should not be used.

Post treatment with brush-on preservatives will protect against the growth of surface mould which can disfigure the surface appearance.

Attack by wood-destroying beetles is possible but unlikely in Australia.

Health & Safety Information

Normal health and safety precautions should be taken when working with wood panel products. Machine tools should be fitted with dust extraction and work areas should be kept clean. If dust levels exceed The National Occupational Health & Safety Commission’s standards, the wearing of a dust mask (AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716) and safety glasses is recommended.

Storage and work areas should be adequately ventilated. If large quantities of Particleboard are stored in non-ventilated areas, formaldehyde emissions could accumulate to levels that may irritate some people.

For further information, please contact one of the manufacturers listed below for a Material Safety Data Sheet or download from www.woodpanels.org.au.

Whilst the information contained herein is based on data which to the best of our knowledge is reliable and accurate as of the date hereof, no responsibility can be accepted by us for errors or omissions. Since the information contained herein may be applied under conditions beyond our control, no responsibility can be accepted by us for any loss or damage caused by any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of this information.

Published by the Australian Wood Panels Association Incorporated, PO Box 158, Coolangatta Qld
4225, February 2008