MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Particleboard (9mm, 12mm, 16mm, 18mm, 25mm, 33mm)

Fibre/Strand-Based Panel
composite › Timber-Based Composite › Fibre/Strand-Based Panel
compositetimber-based compositeengineered-woodparticleboardchipboardsubstrateEWPAA-certifiedAS1859
ATLAS CODE
COM-TBC-FSP-002
Particleboard (9mm, 12mm, 16mm, 18mm, 25mm, 33mm)
Category composite
Material Family Timber-Based Composite
Regulatory Status Combustible
Density
650
Carbon (A1-A5)
0.29
Fire Class
Combustible
Lifespan
15
Description

Particleboard is an engineered wood panel made from wood particles bonded with resin. It is widely used for interior fit-out, cabinetry, and substrates where structural performance is moderate.

Primary Sectors
[Hospitality][Industrial][Commercial]
Typical Uses
  • Kitchen and bathroom cabinetry substrates
  • Furniture manufacturing
  • Shelving systems
  • Shop fitting and retail displays
  • Office workstations
  • Substrate for laminating and veneering
  • Interior wall linings (non-structural)
  • Flooring underlayment (specific grades)
  • Door cores
  • Exhibition and display panels
Recycled Content 85
Renewable Content 92
Recyclability 80
Embodied Carbon 0.29
Embodied Energy 8.5
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Cost-effective compared to solid timber and plywoodUniform density and thicknessExcellent machinability with standard woodworking toolsSmooth surface ideal for laminating/veneeringNo grain direction - consistent properties in all directionsAvailable in large sheet sizes (up to 3660mm x 1830mm)Good screw-holding capacity in faceUtilises wood waste - environmentally efficientLocally manufactured in AustraliaAvailable with low formaldehyde emissions (E0 grade)
Cautions
Poor moisture resistance (standard grades)Susceptible to thickness swelling when wetLower strength than plywood or solid timberEdge requires sealing/banding for finishFormaldehyde emissions in lower gradesNot suitable for exterior useHeavy compared to some alternativesPoor edge screw-holding capacitySusceptible to termite and fungal attack if moisture >18%Creates fine dust when machining
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-TBC-FSP-002
Density (Dry) 650
Specific Gravity 0.65
Porosity 45
Water Absorption 75
Hardness 2.5
Surface Roughness 6
UV Resistance Poor
Chemical Resistance Moderate
pH Tolerance 5-9
Compressive Strength 12
Tensile Strength 8
Flexural Strength 10.5-11 MPa
Shear Strength 0.30-0.40 MPa
Elastic Modulus 1500-1800 MPa
Impact Resistance 2.5
Bearing Capacity 8
Poisson's Ratio 0.25
Creep Resistance Moderate
Abrasion Resistance Low
Thermal Conductivity 0.12
Thermal Resistance 0.13
Specific Heat Capacity 1700
Thermal Expansion 8
Ignition Temperature 260
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 25
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.1
Optical
Light Transmittance 0
Light Reflectance (LRV) 35

Particleboard development began in Germany in the 1940s as a solution to timber shortages. Introduced to Australia in the 1950s, with first commercial production in 1959. Evolution from single-layer to three-layer boards improved surface quality. Transition from phenolic to urea-formaldehyde resins in 1960s reduced costs. Introduction of moisture-resistant grades in 1970s expanded applications. Continuous pressing technology adopted 1980s improved consistency. Low-emission formulations (E1, E0) developed from 1990s addressing health concerns. Current focus on bio-based binders and increased recycled content for sustainability.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-TBC-FSP-002
Flame Spread Index 7
Smoke Developed Index 3
Combustibility Class Combustible
Ignition Temperature 260
Fire Resistance Rating None hours
Heat Release Rate 120
Toxicity of Combustion Moderate
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 0.29
Embodied Energy 8.5
Water Footprint 300
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 85%
Renewable Content 92%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 7
VOC Emissions 0.05
Skill Level Intermediate
Crew Size 2
Installation Time 0.5
Temperature Range 10-35 °C
Humidity Range 40-65
Required Tools
Circular saw with TCT bladeElectric drillRouter for edge profilingEdge banding machine (optional)Dust extraction systemMeasuring and marking tools
Weather Limitations
Must be kept dry during storage/installationAvoid high humidity conditions >75% RHProtect from rain and moisture
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-TBC-FSP-002
Material Cost 20-45
Installation Cost 35-65
Annual Maintenance 2
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 180
Market Availability Excellent
Lead Time 1-3
Design Life 15
Warranty Period 10
Maintenance Interval 5
Service Temp Range -20 to 60 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Poor
Dimensional Stability Moderate

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-TBC-FSP-002 Schema: v3.0
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 4 OF 4