Attached
Thisstudywas conducted to find the quality of MDF panels available
in Sri Lankan market. MDF samples were collected from different
dealers who import MDF from different countries. These samples
were tested for thickness swelling and mass increment in 24 hr
immersionin water and 30 minutes immersion in boiling water.
Moisturecontent at 103 DC oven dry condition and density were also
evaluated. A field survey was also carried out among dealers and
importersofMDF in the market to find the current status of the market.
Thicknessswelling and mass increment are related to each other and
wassignificantlydifferent with different dealers and with the country
of imports.Samples collected from South African countries are good
in resistance of water. South African MDF are up to the British
Standards and density is higher than the other panels comparatively.
Thereare several dealers who imports MDF from Malaysia, had
showninferior qualities. It has indicated a single country is having
severalqualities of their production. As found in the survey almost
every type of furniture items are produced except furniture legs.
Furnituremanufactures using MDF panels due to low labour cost
incurredin manufacturing, easy handling and good finish. Therefore Sri
Lankan MDF market comprise of high quality as well as inferior
qualityMDF. Also the study further has revealed that Sri Lankan
MDFmarketis money oriented and not quality oriented.
