In modern construction, a large number of wood-shaving materials are used. One of the most popular is chipboard. Experts already know how to choose such products and what type of product should be used for certain jobs. But what if you are a beginner? We invite you to take a closer look at this material, find out its main properties, study the varieties, the possible density of chipboard and the scope.
A little about the product itself
For the manufacture of chipboard, woodworking waste is used: wood chips, sawdust. Raw materials are thoroughly dried and crushed. Binder components in the form of artificial phenolic resins are added to the prepared mixture. The finished mass is sent under the press, where under the influence of high pressure and temperature plates of given parameters are formed.
Finished products are sorted and then sold. On theconstruction markets, we are presented with a wide range of boards with different appearance and physical and mechanical properties. The main differences are the dimensions of the sheets, their thickness and the density of the chipboard. At the same time, products of the highest quality can surpass even natural wood by some criteria.
Positive and negative properties of products
What is chipboard valued for? First of all, for a fairly affordable price. Finding an option that fits within your budget is not difficult. Also, the popularity of particle boards is based on a number of their advantages. These include:
- homogeneous structure;
- no knots, cracks;
- smoothness;
- easy to work with;
- ease of processing;
- good indicators of heat and sound insulation properties;
- Moisture, insect and mildew resistant (in treated varieties).
High-density chipboard perfectly fixes nails, screws and various accessories. The plates are easily glued and can be finished in a variety of ways. They can be pasted over with wallpaper, treated with paint, lined with veneer, paper and plastic.
Disadvantages of chip-type products
Like any material, chipboard is not without its drawbacks. Despite the fact that the product is made from natural raw materials, it is impossible to call it environmentally friendly. This is prevented by the presence of formaldehyde in the composition. And although special attention is paid to the safety of such products (modern products can be used even in children's rooms), completely natural materialyou won't name.
Also, the negative properties include a short operation in conditions of high humidity. If moisture gets on the bare edge of the plate or in the area of \u200b\u200bscratches and chips, the product quickly becomes unusable. In this case, the density of chipboard and its thickness do not play a role. Of course, there are moisture-resistant options (with additional coating), but even special processing does not allow 100% protection of the plate from harmful effects.
Product classification
Sorting of finished products is carried out on the basis of external data. First of all, the type, strength and density of chipboard are evaluated. The highest quality is characterized by products of the 1st grade. Such plates are absolutely smooth, without flaws in the form of chips, cracks, tar spots.
Slabs of 2 grades are considered a rejection of high quality products. They may already have minor scratches, chips along the edge. In the structure of pita, bark and poorly ground chips can be noticeable. In this case, the number of defects should not exceed 10% of the total volume of the sheet.
There are also out-of-grade plates. Sometimes they are called products of the 3rd grade. This includes open marriage. Sheets may have different parameters, large chips, delaminations and mechanical damage. This is the most budget variety, but it cannot be used for front finishing.
Product difference depending on application
Chipboard boards are divided not only by grades, but also depending on their purpose. Manufacturers share three main types:
- standard type plates;
- laminated varieties;
- furniture products.
Products of the first type are characterized by smoothness and strict observance of standard sizes. The density of the chipboard of this type can be minimum, medium and maximum. These varieties are used in construction and finishing works.
Laminated products differ in that they have a protective coating that resembles plastic. Most often, it was created to imitate a wood cut, but often the plates have a color that is completely unusual for natural material.
The density of laminated chipboard depends on the quality of the base and can vary from 550 to 750 kg/m3. This variety is used in the creation of kitchen furniture, facades of cabinet products and for the manufacture of various decor.
Furniture chipboard includes finely structured and carefully polished products. There are no defects on such products, so they are used to create furniture and face decoration.
Dimensions of plates and their density
If the product is manufactured in accordance with GOST, then it has clearly defined parameters and physical and mechanical properties in it. For example, the density of 16 mm chipboard should be 650 kg/m3. At the same time, its weight will vary from 46.4 to 63.7 kg. This indicator is directly affected by the dimensions of the plate. Today the following sizes are available to us:
- 2440 x 1830mm;
- 2750 x 1830mm;
- 2800 x 2070mm;
- 3060 x 1830mm;
- 3060 x 1220 mm;
- 3500 x 1750 mm.
Minimum board thickness is 8mm and maximum thickness is 38mm. At the same time, pay attention to the fact that thick sheets can weigh more than 100 kg, which greatly complicates their installation.
As for the density, the minimum value is 450 kg/m3. Such products usually have a thickness of 32 mm, are used for leveling surfaces and rough finishes. Such indicators are quite enough to talk about the high quality of the plate. Sheets with minimum thickness are characterized by maximum density - up to 750 kg/m3.
Specifications: moisture resistance, fire hazard, thermal conductivity
The moisture resistance of products is considered separately. In conditions of high humidity, a conventional plate can swell by 20-30% (in 24 hours). Options with a protective layer increase the owl volume by no more than 15%.
As for thermal conductivity, particle boards have indicators from 0.07 to 0.25 watts. At the same time, their specific heat capacity is about 1.7-1.9 kJ. This indicator is directly affected by the thickness and density of chipboard (kg/m3).
Resistance to fire and the effects of mold and fungus plate acquires after additional treatments with antiseptics and flame retardants. You can purchase products that have already passed the above steps. However, if you have already bought the standard version, you can carry out protective measures yourself.
Packagingplates
If you are purchasing chipboard for large-scale work, then to calculate the amount of material you will need to know what is the area of one sheet and how many of them are in one package.
If you chose a plate with parameters 2440 x 1830, then the area of one sheet will be 4.47 m2. When using a 10mm thick plate, the volume of one piece will be 0.045cm3.
Slabs with parameters of 2750 x 1830 will have an area of 5.03 m2, while their volume will be 0.050 cm3(subject to the use of products in 10 mm).
Sheets 3060 x 1830 have an area of 5.60 m2. Their volume will be 0.056 cm3. But the area of \u200b\u200bproducts 3060 x 1220 is 3.73 m2, while the volume of such products is 0.037 cm3.
When choosing the right option, pay attention to the weight of the products. If you are purchasing products for frame cladding, give preference to thin and dense varieties, as thick options will put a significant load on the base.
As for the quantity per pack, the thinnest slabs (8 mm) are formed into packs of 90 pieces. Products with a thickness of 10 mm are packed in 85 pieces. The most popular sheets (with a thickness of 16 mm) are sold in 54 pieces. And plates with an indicator of 26 mm are formed into blocks of 36 sheets.
Summing up
Chipboard boards are used everywhere. They are used to make cabinet furniture, rough flooring and framepartitions. In private construction, it is especially convenient to use them, since a figured product can be easily cut out of the material, slabs of medium parameters are quite light and durable.
However, before purchasing chipboard, evaluate the conditions in which you will operate the material. It is very important to choose products with the right properties and ability to withstand a certain impact.
In most works, products of medium thickness are used. They have sufficient strength and medium density. Chipboard 16 mm is excellent for both repairing vertical surfaces and for decorative finishing. If you need to level a floor with large irregularities, use products with an increased thickness index.
Please note that only certified products have the listed properties. Feel free to ask sellers for product documents. Quality certificates - a guarantee of a long service life of the plate.
