Concept in Definition ABC

In the furniture industry it is very common to use an artificial material that resembles the wood. This material is MDF, whose initials in English correspond to medium density fiberboard and in Spanish it could be translated as "medium density wood fiber".

It is a processed product, specifically a type of chipboard. It is made from radiata pine wood found in countries such as Argentina, Chile or Brazil. It is a particularly heavy and compact chipboard. Likewise, the surface of the material stands out for being very thin and flat.

An environmentally friendly material

Contrary to popular belief, this product does not come from lumber workshop scraps, as it is made from felled trees. Most of the companies that work with the MDF defend criteria of environmental sustainability.

Elaboration process and main uses and advantages

To obtain this material, it is necessary to extract a substance, linin, from the original wood. This substance is what provides hardness and resistance to natural woods.

Once the linin is obtained, it is then mixed with synthetic resins. This mixture is heated in order to be transformed into rigid MDF panels. This material has multiple uses: floors, interior furniture, wall covering, wood veneer or kitchen doors. It is an easy material to work with, as it does not bend or split and can be brushed quite easily. For your elaboration a special glue is normally used, which is made up of a gas toxic. Like any other material, it has different thicknesses and its quality varies depending on the brand and manufacturer. To achieve a perfect finish it is usual to use some type of fine sandpaper to avoid scratching.

MDF has a similar quality to solid wood, but is much cheaper. It is an ideal material to be painted or varnished. Despite its advantages, it is not very resistant to water and it is not suitable for use in very humid places.

Basic security measures

To handle the MDF it is convenient to incorporate some guidelines, especially a mask to protect yourself from dust, protective glasses and gloves. If this product is cut with a saw, it is necessary to protect the ears. In the event that the furniture needs to be painted, it is advisable to use a charcoal mask as protection.

Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic compound

One of the substances used in manufacturing Of these tables, it is formaldehyde, which is listed by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen. Formaldehyde works as a kind of adhesive between the layers that make up a board. For such reason, the care that is given in the completion or sealing is essential, to try to prevent this chemical compound from being released into the air.

The problem lies precisely in the exposition direct, which affects those who work with these materials in the first place. Although progress has been made in decreasing, formaldehyde is still used, and it is inevitable that a certain percentage will be released in the environment. One of the signs is irritation in the eyes, as well as in the nose in clear in the throat.

It is important to observe and consult in this regard with whoever develops the furniture, and stop - we insist - on the finish that is given on the “skin”, being that the more protected the interior of the furniture is, the less likely that the substance can escape.

Photo: Fotolia - Sergey0506