By-product Becomes Product (2013)
Video showing how commonly available wood composite material medium density fiberboard (MDF) is fabricated.
Start video at 3:13.
MDF is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is denser than plywood and can be used as a building material similar in application to plywood.
Formaldehyde resins are commonly used to bind MDF together and testing has consistently revealed that MDF products emit urea-formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds that pose health risks at sufficient concentrations, for at least several months after manufacture.
By-product Becomes Product
February 6 – March 30, 2013
Intersection for the Arts
San Francisco, CA