ISO 16895:2016

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 16895
First edition
2016-02-01
Wood-based panels — Dry-process
fibreboard
Panneaux à base de bois — Panneaux de fibres obtenus par
procédé à sec
Reference number
©
ISO 2016
© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
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ii © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 2
5 Classification, designation and coding . 3
5.1 General . 3
5.1.1 Classification matrices . 3
5.1.2 Uses . 3
5.1.3 Additional classifications . 3
5.1.4 Structural grades . 4
5.2 Ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF) . 4
5.3 Low-density fibreboard (LDF). 4
5.4 Medium density fibreboard (MDF) . 4
5.5 High-density fibreboard (HDF) . 5
6 Tests related to each grade . 5
6.1 Mandatory tests . 5
6.2 Optional tests . 6
7 Thickness ranges . 8
8 Expression of specification limits and general requirements . 8
8.1 Expression of specification limits . 8
8.2 Lower specification limits . 8
8.3 Upper specification limits. 9
8.4 Moisture resistance requirement options . 9
8.5 Density variation, dimension and moisture content requirements . 9
8.6 Formaldehyde requirements .10
8.7 Load bearing fibreboard .10
9 Specific property requirements for ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF-FN REG) .10
10 Specific property requirements for low-density fibreboard .11
10.1 General .11
10.2 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(LDF-FN REG) .11
10.3 Requirements for building grade low-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(LDF-BL REG) .11
10.4 Requirements for general purpose low-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (LDF-GP MR1) .12
10.5 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (LDF-FN MR1) .12
10.6 Requirements for building grade low-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (LDF-BL MR1) .13
10.7 Requirements for general purpose low-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (LDF-GP MR2) .13
10.8 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in tropical humid
conditions (LDF-FN MR2) .14
11 Specific property requirements for medium-density fibreboard .14
11.1 General .14
11.2 Requirements for general purpose medium-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (MDF-GP REG) .15
11.3 Requirements for furniture grade medium-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (MDF-FN REG) .15
11.4 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (MDF-BL REG) .15
11.5 Requirements for load bearing medium-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (MDF-LB REG) .16
11.6 Requirements for general purpose medium-density fibreboard for use in
temperate humid conditions (MDF-GP MR1) .16
11.7 Requirements for furniture grade medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (MDF-FN MR1) .17
11.8 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (MDF-BL MR1) .18
11.9 Requirements for load bearing medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (MDF-LB MR1) .18
11.10 Requirements for general purpose medium-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (MDF-GP MR2) .19
11.11 Requirements for furniture grade medium-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (MDF-FN MR2) .20
11.12 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (MDF-BL MR2) .21
11.13 Requirements for load bearing medium-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (MDF-LB MR2) .21
11.14 Requirements for fitments grade medium-density fibreboard for use in high
humid conditions (MDF-FN HMR) .22
11.15 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in high
humid conditions (MDF-BL HMR) .23
12 Specific property requirements for high-density fibreboard .23
12.1 General .23
12.2 Requirements for general purpose high-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (HDF-GP REG) .24
12.3 Requirements for building grade high-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(HDF-BL REG) .24
12.4 Requirements for general purpose high-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (HDF-GP MR1) .24
12.5 Requirements for building grade high-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (HDF-BL MR1) .25
12.6 Requirements for general purpose high-density fibreboard for use in high humid
conditions (HDF-GP MR2) .25
12.7 Requirements for building grade high-density fibreboard for use in tropical humid
conditions (HDF-BL MR2) .26
13 Marking .26
Annex A (normative) Calculation of 5-percentile and 95-percentile values .28
iv © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 89, Wood-based panels, Subcommittee SC 1,
Fibre boards.
This first edition cancels and replaces ISO 16895-1:2008 and ISO 16895-2:2010, of which the product
classification and specification have been technically revised.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 16895:2016(E)
Wood-based panels — Dry-process fibreboard
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a classification matrix, related mandatory tests and thickness
ranges for ultra-low-, low-, medium- and high-density dry process wood-based fibreboard. It then
provides the manufacturing property requirements for these types of uncoated fibreboard.
The values listed in this International Standard relate to product properties used to classify fibreboards
into one of four types (UDF, LDF, MDF and HDF, see Clause 3), one of four grades (GP, FN, BL and LB),
for use in one of four service conditions (REG, MR1, MR2, and HMR). The values are not characteristic
values to be used for design purposes.
NOTE Fibreboards are broadly divided into two groups based on the manufacturing process, namely the
dry process group and the wet process group (see Clause 3). Wet process fibreboards lie outside the scope of this
International Standard.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3340, Fibre building boards — Determination of sand content
ISO 9426, Wood-based panels — Determination of dimensions of panels
ISO 9427, Wood-based panels — Determination of density
ISO 12460-1, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 1: Formaldehyde
emission by the 1-cubic-metre chamber method
ISO 12460-2, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 2: Small-scale
chamber method
ISO 12460-3, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 3: Gas analysis method
ISO 12460-4, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 4: Desiccator method
ISO 12460-5, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 5: Perforator method
ISO 16572, Timber structures — Wood-based panels — Test methods for structural properties
ISO 16978, Wood-based panels — Determination of modulus of elasticity in bending and of bending strength
ISO 16979, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture content
ISO 16981, Wood-based panels — Determination of surface soundness
ISO 16983, Wood-based panels — Determination of swelling in thickness after immersion in water
ISO 16984, Wood-based panels — Determination of tensile strength perpendicular to the plane of the panel
ISO 16985, Wood-based panels — Determination of dimensional changes associated with changes in
relative humidity
ISO 16987, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture resistance under cyclic test conditions
ISO 16998, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture resistance — Boil test
ISO 17064, Wood-based panels — Fibreboard, particleboard and oriented strand board (OSB) — Vocabulary
ISO 20585:2005, Wood-based panels — Determination of wet bending strength after immersion in water
at 70 degrees C or 100 degrees C (boiling temperature)
ISO 27528, Wood-based panels — Determination of resistance to axial withdrawal of screws
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 17064 and the following apply.
3.1
dry process fibreboard
wood fibreboard with a forming line moisture content, as a mass fraction, of less than or equal to 20 %
and whose primary bonding results from applied adhesives or resins
3.2
wet process fibreboard
wood fibreboard with a forming line moisture content, as a mass fraction, of greater than 20 % and
whose primary bonding results from felting of wood fibres and their inherent adhesive properties
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the following symbols and abbreviated terms apply.
BL building
DIY do-it-yourself
EXT exterior
F fungi resistant
FN furniture
FR fire retardant
GP general purpose
HDF high-density fibreboard
HMR highly moisture resistant
I insect resistant
LB load bearing
LDF low-density fibreboard
MDF medium-density fibreboard
MR1 moisture resistant — temperate
MR2 moisture resistant — tropical
REG regular
UDF ultra-low-density fibreboard
2 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

δ thickness
5 Classification, designation and coding
5.1 General
5.1.1 Classification matrices
Overall classification matrices, which include all major classes available at the time of publication, are
shown in Tables 1 to 4. Tables 1 to 4 allow for future classes to be included as they become available on
international markets.
Not all products in the matrices shown in Tables 1 to 4 are currently available or under development.
Realistic property tables can only be developed for existing products. The remainder are potential
future products and property tables will be developed when necessary.
Density ranges given in product descriptions in 5.2 to 5.5 are a guide. Manufacturers may classify a
product as a particular type or grade if it meets all the property requirements of the nominated type or
grade. For example, a thin fibreboard of density 830 kg/m could be called MDF if it meets all property
requirements of the particular MDF grade nominated.
5.1.2 Uses
Products specified in this International Standard have the following applications.
regular REG dry conditions only
moisture resistant — temperate MR1 temperate humid conditions
moisture resistant — tropical MR2 tropical humid conditions
highly moisture resistant HMR high humid conditions
exterior EXT exposed to weather conditions, above ground
general purpose GP applications not requiring the specific properties of
furniture or load-bearing grades
furniture FN in furniture manufacture, cabinet making, fitments, joinery,
bases for surface decorative treatment
building BL building applications requiring high dimensional stability
load bearing LB structural or load bearing
do-it-yourself DIY home projects done by residents rather than professional
tradespersons
5.1.3 Additional classifications
If additional attribute classifications are used, such as fire retardant (FR), insect resistant (I) and
fungi resistant (F), claimed performance shall be confirmed by appropriate testing. Relevant tests and
performance requirements may be specified by national standards and regulations.
5.1.4 Structural grades
When a product is used in a load-bearing or structural application, additional information shall
be available in the form of characteristic values derived from structural testing (see ISO 16572),
experimental test results or history of use to validate its performance under the proposed conditions.
It should be noted that engineering design methods do not provide for design for high humid or exterior
service conditions. The inclusion of the MDF-LB grade in the “high humid” section of the classification
matrix (see Table 3) is on the basis that performance is validated by experimental test results or
history of use.
5.2 Ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF)
UDF has a nominal density less than 550 kg/m and is classified according to Table 1.
Table 1 — UDF classification matrix
Service conditions
UDF type
Humid
Dry Humid temperate High humid Exterior
tropical
UDF-FN REG furniture grade
No existing No existing No existing No existing
product product product product
Application examples Light-duty partitions
5.3 Low-density fibreboard (LDF)
3 3
LDF has a nominal density in the range 550 kg/m to 650 kg/m and is classified according to Table 2.
Table 2 — LDF classification matrix
Service conditions
LDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
LDF-GP MR1 general purpose MR2 general purpose
No
No existing
Roof Roof
No existing product existing
Application
product
underlay/sheathing, underlay/sheathing,
product
examples
wall sheathing wall sheathing
REG furniture
LDF-FN MR1 furniture grade MR2 furniture grade
grade
No
No existing
existing
Furniture, DIY uses,
product
Application Furniture, DIY uses, Furniture, DIY uses,
product
general uses,
examples general uses general uses
light-duty partitions
LDF-BL REG building grade MR1 building grade
No
No existing
No existing product existing
Application Window frames, Window frames,
product
product
examples door backs door backs
5.4 Medium density fibreboard (MDF)
3 3
MDF has a nominal density in the range 650 kg/m to 800 kg/m and is classified according to Table 3.
4 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Table 3 — MDF classification matrix
Service conditions
MDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
REG general MR1 general
MDF-GP MR2 general purpose
purpose purpose
No
No existing
existing
DIY uses, DIY uses,
product
Application DIY uses, general
product
general uses, general uses,
examples uses, overlay floors
veneer grade overlay floors
MR1 MR2 HMR
REG furniture
MDF-FN furniture/fitments furniture/fitments furniture/fitments
grade
grade grade grade
No
Carcase, furniture, Carcase, furniture,
existing
Carcase, furniture, Fascias, window
cabinets for kitchen cabinets for kitchen
product
Application cabinets, substrate joinery, protected
and bathroom, and bathroom,
examples for any decorative exterior
substrate for any substrate for any
finish construction
decorative finish decorative finish
MDF-LB REG load bearing MR1 load bearing MR2 load bearing
Domestic or
No
Domestic or
industrial flooring,
No existing
Domestic flooring,
existing
Application industrial flooring,
wall and roof
product
shelving, general
product
examples shelving, general
sheathing, beams,
construction
construction
toilet partitions
MDF-BL REG building grade MR1 building grade MR2 building grade HMR building grade
Window frames,
No
Window frames, door linings,
Window frames, Window frames,
existing
Application door linings, bearing bearing
door linings, door linings,
product
examples walls, floor and roof walls, floor and
bearing walls bearing walls
sheathing, underlay roof sheathing,
underlay
5.5 High-density fibreboard (HDF)
HDF has a nominal density greater than 800 kg/m and is classified according to Table 4.
Table 4 — HDF classification matrix
Service conditions
HDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
HDF-GP REG general purpose MR1 general purpose MR2 general purpose
No
No existing
Composite flooring, Composite flooring, Composite flooring,
existing
Application
product
machined articles, wall panelling in public wall panelling in
product
examples
patterns, packaging amenities, packaging public amenities
HDF-BL REG building grade MR1 building grade MR2 building grade
No
No existing
existing
Application
product
Composite flooring Composite flooring Bearing walls
product
examples
6 Tests related to each grade
6.1 Mandatory tests
The mandatory tests shown in Tables 5 to 8 shall be applied to the various fibreboard grades identified
in Tables 1 to 4, respectively. All property requirements shall be met at dispatch from the factory.
6.2 Optional tests
If information on additional properties is agreed between user and manufacturer, it shall be determined
using the test method(s) nominated from ISO 3340, ISO 16985 and/or ISO 27528.
Table 5 — Tests relating to each UDF grade
Property Method UDF-FN
Dimensions ISO 9426 REG
Density variation ISO 9427 REG
Formaldehyde emission ISO 12460-1 REG
Moisture content ISO 16979 REG
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 REG
Bending strength — Modulus of rupture (MOR) ISO 16978 REG
Table 6 — Tests relating to each LDF grade
Property Method LDF-GP LDF-FN LDF-BL
Dimensions ISO 9426 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Density variation ISO 9427 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Formaldehyde emission ISO 12460-1 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Moisture content ISO 16979 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Bending strength —
ISO 16978 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Modulus of rupture (MOR)
Bending stiffness —
ISO 16978 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Modulus of elasticity (MOE)
Thickness swelling ISO 16983 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Surface soundness ISO 16981 — MR1 MR2 —
ISO 16987
Moisture resistance ISO 16998 MR1 MR2 MR1 MR2 —
ISO 20585
Moisture resistance —
ISO 20585 — — MR1
Wet bending strength
Table 7 — Tests relating to each MDF grade
Property Method MDF-GP MDF-FN MDF-BL MDF-LB
ISO REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Dimensions REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
9426 HMR HMR
ISO REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Density variation REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
9427 HMR HMR
ISO REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Formaldehyde emission REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
12460–1 HMR HMR
ISO REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Moisture content REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
16979 HMR HMR
ISO REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Internal bond strength REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
16984 HMR HMR
Bending strength —
ISO REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Modulus of rupture REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
16978 HMR HMR
(MOR)
6 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Table 7 (continued)
Property Method MDF-GP MDF-FN MDF-BL MDF-LB
Bending stiffness —
ISO REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Modulus of elasticity REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
16978 HMR HMR
(MOE)
ISO REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Thickness swelling REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
16983 HMR HMR
ISO REG MR1 MR2
Surface soundness — — —
16981 HMR
ISO
ISO
Moisture resistance MR1 MR2 MR1 MR2 HMR — MR1 MR2
ISO
Moisture resistance —
20585 — — MR1 MR2 HMR —
Wet bending strength
Table 8 — Tests relating to each HDF grade
Property Method HDF-GP HDF-BL
Dimensions ISO 9426 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Density variation ISO 9427 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Formaldehyde emission ISO 12460-1 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Moisture content ISO 16979 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Bending strength —
ISO 16978 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Modulus of rupture (MOR)
Bending stiffness —
ISO 16978 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Modulus of elasticity (MOE)
Thickness swelling ISO 16983 MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Surface soundness ISO 16981 REG MR1 MR2 —
ISO 16987
Moisture resistance ISO 16998 MR1 MR2 —
ISO 20585
Moisture resistance —
ISO 20585 — MR1 MR2
Wet bending strength
7 Thickness ranges
Specification values shall be related to the ranges of thickness, δ, shown. The specification of a particular
thickness of product shall be determined by consulting the correct thickness range.
0 mm <δ ≤ 2,5 mm
>2,5 mm <δ ≤ 4,0 mm
>4,0 mm <δ ≤ 6,0 mm
>6,0 mm <δ ≤ 9,0 mm
>9,0 mm <δ ≤ 12 mm
>12 mm <δ ≤ 19 mm
>19 mm <δ ≤ 30 mm
>30 mm <δ ≤ 45 mm
δ > 45 mm
8 Expression of specification limits and general requirements
8.1 Expression of specification limits
This International Standard may be used to evaluate groups of panels or production batches. To
evaluate a group of panels, this requires that
a) the mandatory tests of Tables 5 to 8 be applied to samples of the group. Conditioning of test
specimens is required and is specified in each test method, and
b) the results of the tests be evaluated against the appropriate specification limits in Tables 9 to 38
according to the product types, grades and thickness ranges. Tables 9 and 10 apply to all product
types and thickness ranges of panels.
For density variation and dimensions (see Table 9), specification limits are based on the mean values
for individual panels (calculated in accordance with Annex A) and are maximum tolerances. For
formaldehyde emission, Table 10 gives upper specification limits for individual panel results.
Specification limits in Tables 11 to 38 are based on 5 (lower) or 95 (upper) percentile expressions,
according to 8.2 and 8.3.
8.2 Lower specification limits
The requirements in Tables 11 to 38 are the lower specification limits for the following properties:
a) bending strength — modulus of rupture (MOR);
b) bending stiffness — modulus of elasticity (MOE);
c) internal bond strength;
d) surface soundness;
e) internal bond strength after cyclic test;
f) internal bond strength after boil test;
g) wet bending strength.
8 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

The 5-percentile values based on the mean values for individual panels and calculated in accordance
with Annex A shall be equal to or greater than the lower specification limits in Tables 11 to 38.
8.3 Upper specification limits
The requirements in Tables 11 to 38 are the upper specification limits for the following properties:
a) thickness swelling after 24 h;
b) thickness swelling after cyclic test.
The 95-percentile values based on the mean values for individual panels and calculated in accordance
with Annex A shall be equal to or less than the upper specification limits in Tables 11 to 38.
8.4 Moisture resistance requirement options
There are no moisture resistant test requirements for dry condition products (REG).
Requirements for moisture resistant products are dependent on the test method employed to assess
this property. Three alternative sets of requirements (Option 1, Option 2 and Option 3) apply to MR1,
MR2 and HMR products as indicated in the relevant tables.
It is necessary to show compliance with only one of these three options, as follows.
— Option 1: Requirements apply to those fibreboards subjected to a cyclic accelerated ageing test,
followed by the determination of thickness swelling and internal bond, as described in ISO 16987.
— Option 2: Requirements apply to those fibreboards subjected to an accelerated ageing test,
consisting of immersion in boiling water followed by determination of internal bond, as described
in ISO 16998.
— Option 3: Requirements apply to those fibreboards subjected to an accelerated ageing test consisting
of determination of the wet bending strength following immersion in water at 70 °C or immersion in
boiling water for exterior grade products, as described in ISO 20585, Method A or Method B.
BL product types have only Option 3 specified.
NOTE Moisture resistance testing is not intended to prove durability of a new resin system, but to confirm
the correct processing of panels made from a resin system proven to provide the required durability.
8.5 Density variation, dimension and moisture content requirements
At least 95 % of the mean values of the individual panels shall be within the maximum tolerances
stated in Table 9.
Density ranges given for each product type in Clause 5 are a guide only and not a mandatory
specification. Products may be designated as a particular type if they meet the specified requirements
for that type.
Table 9 — Requirements for density variation, dimensions and moisture content
Property Test method Requirement
Density variation within panel ISO 9427 ±10 % max from mean
Length and width ISO 9426 ±2 mm/m, max. ±5 mm
Squareness ISO 9426 <2 mm/m
Thickness range
mm, nominal
Thickness
<8 ≥8 to ≤12 >12
ISO 9426
−0,3 −0,3 −0,5
—Unsanded panel
+1,5 +1,5 +1,7
—Sanded panel ±0,2 ±0,3 ±0,3
Moisture content (advisory only) ISO 16979 5 % to 14 % (see Note)
NOTE This International Standard applies internationally. Wood products attain a moisture content according to the
temperature and relative humidity of their environment. The upper limits of this moisture content range will only apply in
hot, humid areas.
8.6 Formaldehyde requirements
Compliance with formaldehyde requirements can be confirmed by applying one test method only
of those listed in Table 10. The reference chamber method can take up to four weeks for each test to
be completed. The other tests are designated production control methods because one test can be
completed within 24 h. Each individual panel result shall comply with the specification limits stated in
Table 10 for the selected method.
Table 10 — Maximum limits of formaldehyde emission/content
a
Property Method Unit Requirement
Emission ISO 12460-1 mg/m 0,124
3 a
Emission ISO 12460-2 mg/m
Emission ISO 12460-3 mg/m /h 3,5
Emission ISO 12460-4 mg/L 0,7
Content ISO 12460-5 mg/100 g 8,0
NOTE National regulations may impose restrictions on the use of panels of particular formaldehyde emission levels.
a
If this or any other method is used for production control, correlations should be established with the reference
chamber method to determine the emission value that is equivalent to the chamber method limit value stated in this table.
Correlations may be regional, national, company or plant specific as appropriate.
8.7 Load bearing fibreboard
When fibreboard is classified as “load bearing” (LB) and nominated for structural applications,
characteristic strength and stiffness values shall be established based upon testing in accordance with
ISO 16572 or equivalent ASTM or EN standards. Alternatively, for specific load bearing applications
(e.g. walls, roofs, floors, I-joist webs), the load bearing fibreboard shall meet the specific performance
requirements for that intended application.
9 Specific property requirements for ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF-FN REG)
Ultra low-density fibreboards have a nominal density of less than 550 kg/m .
Requirements for UDF-FN REG fibreboard are listed in Table 11.
10 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Table 11 — Requirements for UDF-FN REG
Requirement
Thickness ranges
Property Test method Units
mm, nominal
>9,0 to ≤12 >12 to ≤19 >19 to ≤30 >30 to ≤45 >45
Bending strength
ISO 16978 MPa 18 14 13 12 12
(MOR)
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MPa 0,35 0,35 0,30 0,30 0,30
24 h thickness swelling ISO 16983 % 18 16 14 12 12
10 Specific property requirements for low-density fibreboard
10.1 General
3 3
Low-density fibreboards have a nominal density of 550 kg/m to 650 kg/m .
10.2 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (LDF-FN REG)
Requirements for LDF-FN REG fibreboard are listed in Table 12.
Table 12 — Requirements for LDF-FN REG fibreboard
Requirement
Thickness ranges
Test mm, nominal
Property Units
method
>6,0 >9,0 >12 >19 >30
to to to to to >45
≤9,0 ≤12 ≤19 ≤30 ≤45
Bending strength (MOR) ISO 16978 MPa 20 20 18 15 14 14
Modulus of elasticity ISO 16987 MPa 1 700 1 700 1 600 1 500 1 400 1 200
(MOE)
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MPa 0,45 0,45 0,45 0,45 0,40 0,40
24 h thickness swelling ISO 16983 % 20 16 14 12 11 11
10.3 Requirements for building grade low-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (LDF-BL REG)
Requirements for LDF-BL REG fibreboard are listed in Table 13.
Table 13 — Requirements for LDF-BL REG fibreboard
Requirement
Thickness ranges
Property Test method Units mm, nominal
>6,0 >9,0
>12 to ≤19 >19 to ≤30 >30
to ≤9,0 to ≤12
Bending strength (MOR) ISO 16978 MPa 15 15 15 15 —
Modulus of elasticity ISO 16987 MPa 1 500 1 500 1 500 1 400 —
(MOE)
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MPa 0,30 0,30 0,30 0,30 —
24 h thickness swelling ISO 16983 % 20 13 12 8 —
10.4 Requirements for general purpose low-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (LDF-GP MR1)
Requirements for LDF-GP MR1 fibreboard are listed in Table 14.
Table 14 — Requirements for LDF-GP MR1 fibreboard
Requirement
Thickness ranges
Test mm, nominal
Property Units
method
>6,0 >9,0 >12 >19 >30
to to to to to >45
≤9,0 ≤12 ≤19 ≤30 ≤45
Bending strength (MOR) ISO 16978 MPa 20 20 18 16 16 14
Modulus of elasticity ISO 16987 MPa 1 700 1 700 1 600 1 500 1 400 1200
(MOE)
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MPa 0,45 0,45 0,45 0,45 0,40 0,40
24 h thickness swelling ISO 16983 % 18 16 13 12 11 10
Moisture resistance
Option 1: Cyclic test
Internal bond strength ISO 16987 MPa 0,25 0,18 0,16 0,13 0,10 0,10
Thickness swelling % 19 16 15 15 15 15
Option 2: Boil test ISO 16998 MPa 0,12 0,09 0,09 0,09 0,08 0,07
Internal bond strength
Option 3: ISO 20585, MPa 6,0 5,5 4,5 3,5 3,0 3,0
Wet bending strength Method A
10.5 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (LDF-FN MR1)
Requirements for LDF-FN MR1 fibreboard are listed in Table 15.
12 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Table 15 — Requirements for LDF-FN MR1 fibreboard
Requirement
Thickness ranges
Test mm, nominal
Property Units
method
>6,0 >9,0 >12 >19 >30
to to to to to >45
≤9,0 ≤12 ≤19 ≤30 ≤45
Bending strength (MOR) ISO 16978 MPa 22 22 20 17 15 15
Modulus of elasticity ISO 16987 MPa 1 800 1 800 1 700 1 500 1 400 1 400
(MOE)
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MPa 0,50 0,50 0,45 0,40 0,38 0,38
24 h thickness swelling ISO 16983 % 16 13 11 10 10 10
Surface soundness ISO 16981 MPa 0,7 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,8
Moisture resistance
Option 1: Cyclic test
Internal bond strength ISO 16987 MPa 0,30 0,25 0,20 0,15 0,10 0,10
Thickness swelling % 19 16 15 15 15 15
Option 2: Boil test ISO 16998 MPa 0,15 0,15 0,12 0,12 0,10 0,10
Internal bond strength
Option 3: ISO 20585, MPa 6,5 6,0 5,0 4,0 3,5 3,5
Wet bending strength Method A
10.6 Requirements for building grade low-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (LDF-BL MR1)
Requirements for LDF-BL MR1 fibreboard are listed in Table 16.
Table 16 — Requirements for LDF-BL MR1 fibreboard
Requirement
Thickness ranges
Property Test method Units mm, nominal
>9,0 to >19 to
>6,0 to ≤9,0 >12 to ≤19 >30
≤12 ≤30
Bending strength (MOR) ISO 16978 MPa 22 22 22 21 —
Modulus of elasticity ISO 16987 MPa 1 800 1 800 1 800 1 700 —
(MOE)
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MPa 0,30 0,30 0,30 0,30 —
24 h thickness swelling ISO 16983 % 14,0 9,0 8,0 5,5 —
Moisture resistance — ISO 20585,
Wet bending strength Method A MPa 10,0 10,0 10,0 9,0 —
10.7 Requirements for general purpose low-density fibreboard for use in tropical humid
conditions (LDF-GP MR2)
Requirements for LDF-GP MR2 fibreboard are listed in Table 17.
Table 17 — Requirements for LDF-GP MR2 fibreboard
Requirement
Thickness ranges
Property Test method Units
mm, nominal
>9,0 to ≤12 >12 to ≤19 >19 to ≤30
Bending strength (MOR) ISO 16978 MPa 20 18 17
Modulus of elasticity (MOE) ISO 16987 MPa 1 700 1 600 1 550
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MPa 0,45 0,45 0,45
24 h thickness swelling ISO 16983 % 12 10 9
Moisture resistance
Option 1: Cyclic test
Internal bond strength MPa 0,20 0,20 0,20
ISO 16987
Thickness swell % 15 15 15
Option 2: Boil test
ISO 16998 MPa 0,10 0,10 0,10
Internal bond strength
Option 3: Wet bending strength ISO 20585, Method A MPa 10 9 8
10.8 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in tropical humid
conditions (LDF-FN MR2)
Requirements for LDF-FN MR2 fibreboard are listed in Table 18.
Table 18 — Requirements for LDF-FN MR2 fibreboard
Requireme
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