Influence of wood density and fibre length on properties of medium density fibreboard manufactured from Pinus radiata

The effect of wood basic density and fibre length on product properties of 10 mm medium density fibreboard manufactured from 20-year-old Pinus radiata was investigated using wood from 2 sites with contrasting wood properties. The difference in basic density and fibre length between the sites was 23% and 13% respectively. No significant differences were found between sites for modulus of elasticity or rupture but internal bond strength and surface soundness were significantly greater for boards manufactured from the site with higher wood density. As a fixed mass of fibre was used for panel manufacture, a greater volume of wood is required from the lower density site to produce a given panel density. However, both sites produced panels that would meet current industry specifications.