Replying to [germex]: A good article on MDF. Thanks for giving us the link of the same. Though this article is a bit technical, but gives an overall idea about what the MDF is all about.

Having gone through the entire article, I still have one question in mind. The question is "how far this material or the items made from this material are strong in comparison with the wooden items like doors. Recently, I have come across to learn about readymade doors made of MDF but these doors have certain reservations in their use. Would appreciate if some light can be thrown on this point - durability in comparison with the woodden doors, maintainenace of the same, life size of the doors made of MDF, and their costs.

Replying to [vshanker]:

Hi Vijay,

Any kind of particle board is much weaker than "wholsome" wood (and sometimes almost friable). They are also very hygroscopic (absorbing water). Both characteristics are consequence of the fact that in the sawing or cutting process the individual fibers are frayed and partially segregated from each other. The viscosity of the glue is too high to go in between and repair this damage.

The advantages of MDF are dimensional stability, low cost and reuse of "waste" material. As MDF panels for doors are covered with some kind of veneer, they are pretty resistant to impacts. On the other hand, where you attach hinges and locks to the door, you have to insert pieces of wood to which you can fasten these items. If not, they will easily break out.

That's more or less the pros and cons in a nutshell.

Replying to [germex]:

I thank you very much for sharing this valubale piece of information in such a simple way that any layman (like me) can understand it easily.

I will keep in mind while dealing in MDF's products. Thanks once again.

Replying to [vshanker]:

Hi Vijay, as you are always more than available to any share info you might have, you are most welcome! It's a pleasure to be of service!

Replying to [germex]:

Replying to [germex]:

Replying to [Geoffrey gao]:

I'm wondering if any established company has developed a machine to manufacture composite panels from rice straw or such?

Thanks.

Replying to [acsboy]:

There was one many years ago in the Texas Panhandle, and the only problem they had was disagreement among partners, but technically they proved that such boards are viable. Don't know if anybody else picked up the idea.

Replying to [germex]:

What I mean is is there any particular company who makes the equipment machine to produce strawboards out of rice straws or cereals? Can't find any though in alibaba. Is there any special technology involved int he production?

Replying to [acsboy]:

Unfortunately I don't know of any company that manufactures either the finished boards or the required equipment. Let me see if I can make contact with one of the shareholders of that extinct company that was making those boards.

In the meantime, I would suggest you search google etc. with keywords like "mdf", "medium density fiber", "straw", etc. Wherever you get interesting results , try to refine the search with addtional keywords. That way I have found lots of info on the internet.