PARTICLEBOARD Meaning and
Definition
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Particleboard is a type of engineered wood panel made from wood particles or fibers that are bonded together using adhesive resins and compressed under high pressure. It is commonly used as a versatile building material in construction and furniture manufacturing due to its affordability and ease of production.
The manufacturing process involves breaking down wood waste materials, such as sawdust, wood chips, and shavings, into small particles. These particles are mixed with synthetic resins, typically urea-formaldehyde or melamine-urea-formaldehyde, which act as binders. The mixture is then spread out onto a flat surface and subjected to high pressure and heat, causing the resin to cure and form a solid panel.
Particleboard has a uniform composition and appearance, with a smooth and consistent surface that makes it ideal for laminating or veneering. It is available in various thicknesses, ranging from lightweight panels suitable for interior applications to heavier panels for structural purposes. Particleboard panels can also be manufactured with different densities, enabling them to have different strength and insulation properties.
This engineered wood material offers several advantages, including its cost-effectiveness, dimensional stability, and versatility. It is commonly used in the production of furniture, cabinets, shelving, doors, flooring underlayment, and wall paneling. However, particleboard is susceptible to moisture damage and does not have the same strength and durability as solid wood, making it less suitable for outdoor or high-load-bearing applications.
Common Misspellings for PARTICLEBOARD
Etymology of PARTICLEBOARD
The word "particleboard" is composed of two parts: "particle" and "board".
The term "particle" can be traced back to the Latin word "particula", which means "a small part, little bit, or tiny piece". In English, "particle" refers to a small, distinct unit or piece of matter.
The word "board" comes from the Old English word "bord" and ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "burdam". "Board" refers to a thin, flat piece of material used for various purposes like construction or as a surface for writing or cutting.
When combined, "particleboard" refers to a type of engineered wood product made from wood particles, such as wood chips or shavings, that are combined with resin or binder and compressed to form boards or panels.
