Physical Properties of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residues into wood fibres, usually in a defibrator, combined with wax and resin binders and formed by applying high temperature and pressure board to manufacture. MDF is generally denser than plywood, it consists of separated fibers, but can be used as a building material similar to plywood; it is stronger and denser than particleboard.
  
   The name comes from the difference in the density of fibreboard. Mass production of MDF began in the 1980s, in North America and Europe. Over time, the term MDF has become the generic name for any drylaid fiberboard. MDF is usually composed of 82% wood fiber, 9% urea-formaldehyde resin glue, 8% water and 1% paraffin. Densities are typically between 500kg/m3 (31lb/ft3) and 1,000kg/m3 (62lb/ft3).
  
   The range of densities and classifications as lightweight, standard or high density boards is a misnomer and confusing. The density of the circuit board is important when evaluating in terms of fiber density from which the panels are fabricated. In the case of softwood fibreboard, thick MDF boards with a density of 700-720kg/m3 can be considered high density, whereas boards of the same density made from hardwood fibres are not. The development of various types of MDFs is driven by different requirements for specific applications.