Production of Wood Fibers (Used in MDF). Investment Opportunities in Wood and Wood Based Products.
Wood fibers (also spelled wood fibers, see spelling differences) are usually cellulosic elements that are extracted from trees and used to make materials including paper. The end paper product (paper, paperboard, tissue, cardboard, etc.) dictates the species, or species blend that is best suited to provide the desirable sheet characteristics, and also dictates the required fiber processing (chemical treatment, heat treatment, mechanical “brushing” or refining, etc.).
Wood fibers are made of cellulose got from the xylem vessels in plants, especially trees. Other plants providing fibers include straw, bamboo, cotton, hemp, and sugar cane.
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming it into panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is generally denser than plywood. It is made up of separated fibres, but can be used as a building material similar in application to plywood. It is stronger and much denser than particle board.
Composite forest products, or engineered wood, refer to materials made of wood that are glued together. In the United States, roughly 21 million tons (21.3 million metric tons) of composite wood are produced annually. The more popular composites materials include plywood, blockboard, fiberboard, particleboard, and laminated veneer lumber. Most of these products are based on what were previously waste wood residues or little used or non-commercial species. Very little raw material is lost in composites manufacture.
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a generic term for a panel primarily composed of lignocellulosic fibers combined with a synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system and bonded together under heat and pressure. The panels are compressed to a density of 0.50 to 0.80 specific gravity Additives may be introduced during manufacturing to improve certain properties. Because fiberboard can be cut into a wide range of sizes and shapes, Long (bast) Fibers, Short (core) Fibers.
The surface of MDF is flat, smooth, uniform, dense, and free of knots and grain patterns, making finishing operations easier and consistent. The homogenous edge of MDF allows intricate and precise machining and finishing techniques. Trim waste is also significantly reduced when using MDF compared to other substrates. Improved stability and strength are important assets of MDF, with stability contributing to holding precise tolerances in accurately cut parts. It is an excellent substitute for solid wood in many interior applications. Furniture manufacturers are also embossing the surface with three-dimensional designs, since MDF has such an even texture and consistent properties. There are three different types of MDF particle board, fiber board and laminated board.
Uses
Wood fibers from aspen and spruce have been used for filler and reinforcement of polystyrene. The wood fibers used were in the form of refined wood. In order to improve compatibility of wood fibers with polymeric matrices, fibers have been modified by copolymerization with styrene. The Kant hate method of grafting employing the ferrous‐hydrogen peroxide catalytic system was used for fiber treatment. The following properties of composites have been measured: elastic‐modulus, tensile strength, and energy absorbed at break.
Related Projects: – Wood and Wood Products
Benefits
- Is an excellent substrate for veneers
- Some varieties are less expensive than many natural woods
- Consistent in strength and size
- Shapes well
- Stable dimensions (less expansion and contraction than natural wood)
- Takes paint well
- Takes wood glue well
- High screw pull-out strength in the face grain of the material
The Manufacturing Process:-
Advanced technology and processing have improved the quality of fiberboard. These include innovations in wood preparation, resin recipes, press technology, and panel sanding techniques. Advanced press technology has shortened overall pressing cycles, while anti-static technology has also contributed to increased belt life during the sanding process.
- Wood preparation
- Curing and pressing
- Panel sanding
- Finishing
Market Outlook
Wood fiber is renewable and based on agricultural products, and the composite materials we come up with would biodegrade after their service life without harming the environment Greater use of wood fibers in producing composites also could be a boost to the paper industry by providing an important new use for wood pulp, since paper is a raw material.
The global wood fiber market is witnessing technological advancements. Companies are constantly striving to develop new and better ways to manufacture these fiberboards. Development of new manufacturing processes of wood fiber and applications is estimated to propel the market.
The textile industry is at its boom presently, and it plays a vital role in every economy. The industry also contributes sustainably in a nation’s trade. As the industry is growing at a global level, the demand for natural as well as synthetic fibers in the industry is also increasing.
In addition, certain MDF products also opt for the use of additives to impart auxiliary characteristics. Medium density fiberboard provides a homogeneous density profile that allows incorporation of precise and intricate finishing leading to a high-quality end products Furthermore, MDF provides superior strength and stability to the structures due to its high density structure, which leads to a high product consumption. Growing usage of recycled wood fibers for the production of MDF is expected to emerge as one of the promising trends propelling the medium density fiberboard panel’s market growth. In addition, increase usage of low emission adhesives and resins also results in a heightened demand for the product. Thus, rise in the production of eco-friendly MDF products is expected to drive the industry in near future.
Incorporation of recycled wood products in the production of MDF is projected to fuel the product usage, mainly in Europe and North America on account of growing consumer awareness regarding eco-friendly products. The medium density fiberboard panels market can be segmented on the basis of product into moisture-resistant, standard, and other MDF products such as fire-retardant MDF. Increasing demand for moisture-resistant MDF in residential and commercial sectors for kitchen furniture, bathroom doors, and other spaces exposed to moisture, is expected to drive the growth.
The global medium density fiberboard can be segmented on the basis of application into furniture and construction. The furniture segment is expected to register notable growth on account of increasing urbanization in developing regions, such as Asia Pacific. Medium density fiberboards are used for the manufacturing of cabinets, tables, and other furniture products. Demand from construction industry is expected to witness a significant rise in the years to come due to growing residential construction activities in countries, such as U.S., China, and India. In addition, remarkable GDP growth of the economies in Asia Pacific is also expected to emerge as a major industry driver. China is one of the major regional markets for MDF due to growing construction industry.
The medium density fiberboard (MDF) is produced by breaking down the softwood and hardwood residuals into wood fibers. This is mainly done in a defibrator and then the wood fibers are combined with resin binder and wax and with the help of high pressure and temperature panels are formed. In comparison, the medium density fiberboard is denser than plywood. MDF is increasingly being used in the construction activities, thus increasing its demand in the global market.
The market for wood fiber is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period of 2019-2024. A major factor driving the market are the increase in demand for wood fiber for furniture. Stringent government regulations are expected to hinder growth of the market.
Despite the industry being largely unorganized, the MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) market in India is 100% organized as this segment poses an entry barrier in terms of high capital investments. Increase in demand for MDF in furniture and extensive use of these boards in building materials are factors driving the MDF market. This is prompting companies to increase production of these boards. Additionally, easy availability of raw materials is anticipated to boost the demand for MDF in the near future.
The medium density fiberboard market is gaining popularity in the regions such as North America and Europe owing to the increased use of the wood products that are recycled in the MDF production. Increased use of medium density fiberboard in the furniture is increasing its demand in the developing regions, for instance, the Asia Pacific owing to the increasing urbanization. Growing construction activities in both developed and developing countries such as the U.S., China, and India, among others is also contributing to the positive growth of the medium density fiberboard market. China is anticipated to show significant growth in the medium density fiberboard market owing to factors such as the China Western Development Program implementation, rising construction, and favorable government initiatives.
Applications:-
- Residential
- Commercial
- New Construction
- Replacement Application
- Cabinet
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Molding, Door, and Millwork
- Packaging System
- Other Applications
As MDF is light in weight and serves as an effective alternative to solid wood or plywood, it finds numerous applications in the residential sector, wherein it is used in embossing and furniture panels. New construction accounts for the majority of the total market share. This can be attributed to the superior working properties and easy availability of MDF in a wide range of sheet thicknesses and sizes.
In terms of application, the wood fiber market can be divided into furniture, building materials, interior decoration, and others. The furniture segment is estimated to expand at a considerable pace due to the rise in demand for these fiberboards in furniture applications across the globe. Applications are many, including industrial packaging, displays, exhibits, toys and games, furniture and cabinets, wall paneling, molding, and door parts.
Related Books: – Wood, Bamboo, Coal, Lignin and Its Derivatives
Key Players
Clarion Industries, Nelson Pine, Guangzhou Huafangzhou Wood, Kronospan, Egger, Yonglin Group, Yunfu Zhenying Wood Co. Ltd., Georgia-Pacific Wood Products, and Guangxi Fenglin Wood Industry Group, Kronoplus Limited, Sonae Indústria, SGPS, S.A., Arauco, Duratex, SWISS KRONO GROUP