Chipboards

Chipboard is a slab/board material produced from finely chopped wood chips, which are mixed with a binder (thermo-reactive synthetic liquid resin) and pressed at elevated temperatures. When making chipboards the chips are structured in fractions making them finer on the outside and coarser in the middle. Chipboards are mostly used in the manufacture of furniture, various temporary structures, in places where high-strength materials are not needed, in the production of packaging.

Advantages of Chipboards

• Universal base material for wide application in dry environment
• Smooth, polished surface
• Good adhesion properties in combination with other materials
• One of the cheapest materials for wooden slabs/boards

Disadvantages of Chipboards

• Low moisture resistance – they must not be in contact with moisture, as the slabs/boards will swell and become unusable
• Slabs/boards with increased moisture resistance, which is achieved by adding moisture-resistant binders, are relatively few available on the market and also cost more
• Low density and low mechanical strength – not suitable for placing fasteners and load-bearing structures

To improve the technical properties of chipboards, their surface is finished with veneer or laminate. Such material is widely used in the production of furniture, kitchen surfaces, windows-sills and interior items. Laminated chipboards are more expensive than regular ones, and there is a very wide range of such materials available on the market, both in terms of surface finishing material and colours.