Wet process fiberboard

Description

A process for forming hardboards patented by Masonite Corporation in 1928 (see also Masonite®). In the wet process, wood fibers are broken apart and distributed with steam and water baths. The fibers are compressed on a screen then heated to form a very dense, rigid sheet. The natural lignin from the wood fibers acts as a cement to give the board sufficient strength with no additional adhesives. Hardboards range from a dark brown to a light tan in color and have one very smooth surface; the reverse side has a wire screen impression.

See also dry process fiberboard.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Aglomerado de fibras obtido por via húmida (Port.)

Additional Information

C. Gould, K. Konrad, K. Milley, R. Gallagher, "Fiberboard", in Twentieth-Century Building Materials, T. Jester (ed.), McGraw-Hill: New York, 1995.

Authority

• Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002

• Thomas C. Jester (ed.), Twentieth-Century Building Materials, McGraw-Hill Companies, Washington DC, 1995