Investigation of using cork- and mdf-layered panel material in interior furnishing

Abstract

In the furniture industry, wood-based panel products are widely used for the constitution of any fixed or moveable furniture in interior space. These panel products are commonly described as plywoods, particleboards, and fiberboards. This paper presents a material science study that investigates an alternative to these products in the usage of cork, which is a lightweight, flexible, and renewable material. Cork was combined with medium-density fiberboard (MDF) in the form of a layered panel. Possibilities of the use of this cork-MDF composite were examined through several tests according to European Standards (EN). Determined physical and mechanical properties of the layered panel were comparatively investigated against the data obtained from published literature reviews in parallel with EN standards. Finally, all production and test processes, with findings as well as implementation and usage suggestions, were outlined by images.