Assessment of properties of medium density fibre (MDF) board produced in India with respect to prescribed limits specified in international standards and the revision of Indian standard

This study was undertaken to evaluate the properties of medium density fibre board (MDF) for general purpose manufactured in India and compare the results with prescribed limits specified in Indian and international standards. The Samples of various thicknesses of grade 1 and grade 2 of MDF (IS 12406, 2003), produced by different manufacturers in India were evaluated for generating the data on the desired physical and mechanical properties. This data was statistically analyzed and compared with requirements of Indian standard (IS), International organization for standardization (ISO) and British Standard/European norms (BS EN). On comparing the requirements specified in different standards, it was observed that the values prescribed for different physical and mechanical properties in Indian standard were more stringent as compared with other international standards. The requirements specified in Indian standard were then harmonized with limits prescribed as specified in ISO and BS EN standards for various tests such as swelling in thickness, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, internal bond strength in dry, cyclic and accelerated water resistance test.