Ecoboard

Ecoboard
Credit: Chesapeake Plywood.com

Description

Ecoboard is a brand name for a solid construction board made from cellulose fibers derived from straw and a water-based slurry of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) adhesive. Ecoboard is manufactured for 100% wheat straw and does not emit any of the organics acids found in other MDF boards. The strawboard has strength comparable to other MDF boards for weight bearing and resisting deformation. A wax coating on the surface of Ecoboard acts as a waterproof coating and sealant. Additionally the MDI/straw connection forms a hydrophobic barrier. No fire-retardants are added to Ecoboard since its high CO2 content inhibits flame production.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Strawboard; Wheatboard

Applications

Used as a structural material for pedestals, display decks, display panels and risers.

Personal Risks

MDI is the least hazardous of the commonly available isocyanates, but it may act as an allergen and sensitizer.. Personal protective equipment is recommended.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Property Comparison

Item	Unit	Particle Board	Straw Board	MDF Board
Density	Kg/mm3	400-900	650-800	600-800
Bending strength	MPa	>13	>13	>20
Vertical nail holding ability	N	>1100	>1100	>1000
Swelling rate/ water absorption	Fading%	<8	<6	<10

Working Properties

• Standard wood product finishing processes. Medex® can be painted, stained, laminated, veneered or covered with display fabric.

Resources and Citations

• Exhibit Guidelines Technical Notes: Using Composite Panels in Exhibit Case Construction
• Chesapeake Plywood: https://chesapeakeplywood.com/straw-board-wheatboard/
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriented_structural_straw_board