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MATERIALS 41
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BRIEF ANALYSIS ON DIMENSIONAL

STABILITY AND MECHANICAL

PERFORMANCE OF EXTERIOR

PARTICLEBOARD AND MDF

Wood-based panels are increasingly used in exterior applications; however, comprehensive
evaluations of their durability under standardised aging conditions remain limited. This study
evaluates the dimensional stability and mechanical performance of three industrial panels designed
for exterior use. By Tiam Mahmoudian, Rosilei Garcia and Alain Cloutier, Laval University, Aziz
Laghdir, Research and Expertise Service in Forest Products Transformation (SEREX)

wood residues, recycled wood, and agricultural by products
Andrey Abryutin as raw materials.

However, one significant drawback is their sensitivity to
moisture, which can limit their use outdoors because exposure
to the elements often leads to dimensional instability, loss of
mechanical strength, and the gradual deterioration of adhesive
bonds.
For panels suitable for exterior construction and humid
environments, durability and long term performance under

moisture exposure have become essential considerations. The
performance of wood based panels exposed to moisture is
articleboard and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) are influenced by multiple material characteristics and manufacturing
engineered non-structural wood-based composites parameters.
Pwidely used in furniture, cabinetry, and a broad range
of industrial applications. Factors Influencing Moisture Resistance
Together, these panel products account for approximately The density of a panel significantly affects its mechanical
60% of global wood-based composite panel production. properties and moisture resistance. A higher density generally
The particleboard industry has experienced remarkable improves bending and bonding properties but may increase

growth in recent years, with global production increasing from susceptibility to moisture induced stress. Panel thickness
105 million cubic metres in 2022 to approximately 123 million also affects moisture penetration rates and the magnitude
cubic metres in 2024, while MDF production has remained of swelling stresses, particularly in panels with pronounced
relatively stable at around 100 million cubic metres per year vertical density profiles.
during the same period. The fibre or particle size distribution significantly affects
The advantages of these materials include availability, the mechanical properties of panels. In particleboards, larger
dimensional uniformity, cost effectiveness, and the use of particles generally result in higher bending properties, while