Since early use in ancient Egyptian and Chinese cultures engineered wood products have helped build the world around us. Pieces of wood are brought together and bonded into sheets that yield incredible strength. The overlapping orientation of wood pieces coupled with strong adhesives make products such as plywood and particle board important to the construction industry1. Contractors use these products in both residential and commercial settings. Making cabinets, countertops, and furniture from plywood provides a means to save money without sacrificing quality. Small growth or scrap trees are typically used to make plywood, making it relatively affordable, and its resistance to bowing ensures its durability under heavy use2. Engineered wood panels are finished, stained, and painted to suit its use3. Indoor use engineered wood products, however, raises issues with air quality since the adhesives contain formaldehyde4. Plywood and particle board are also used for exterior purposes such as siding, decking, sheathing, and marine construction1. When exposed to the elements adequate water-repelling finishing is necessary3.
In response to increasing environmental awareness, biocomposite panels are gaining attention in an evolving industry. Manufacturers are taking the idea of smaller pieces adhered to increase strength and developing an environmentally conscious product. Environ Biocomposites has developed a panel made of wheat, a rapidly renewable crop5. Unlike engineered panel products biocomposite panels will not hold up against moisture. Overexposure from the sun’s UV rays can also compromise the strength of biocomposite panels6. On the other hand, these panels weigh less and insulate sound making them ideal for partitions, acoustic panels, equipment panels. Also, these products are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Although these products are more expensive than conventional materials the benefit to the environment and potential good publicity for the globally aware contractor gives these products appeal7.
References
1. http://www.apawood.org/
2. http://www.performancepanels.com/index.cfm? content= app_ p p_residential
3. http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/NCR/NCR-132.html
4. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formalde.html
5. http://www.environbiocomposites.com/
6.http://www.greenbuildingblocks.com/product_guide/product_detail.go?productId=267
7.http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy Efficiency/Programs/Green Building/Sourcebook/engineeredSheetMaterials.htm
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