On July 4 the National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS Director Bae Jae-Soo) of the Korea Forest Service published a research report on the development of ‘structural particleboard’ aimed at domesticating building materials for wooden houses (light-frame structures) in Korea.

The primary material for wooden construction in Korea used for walls floors and roofs is currently oriented strand board (OSB) which is entirely imported. However due to the recent rise in import prices and difficulties in material supply there is growing concern about a potential downturn in the domestic wooden housing market highlighting the urgent need for domestically produced building materials.

In response NIFoS has developed a new ‘structural particleboard’ that enhances strength and water resistance to suit Koreas distinct four seasons and prolonged summer monsoon period.

The newly published research report not only proposes the synthesis method and usage of high-water-resistant adhesives required for manufacturing ‘structural particleboard’ but also details the optimal manufacturing conditions including wood chip ratio manufacturing pressure and temperature and processing time.

Additionally a production system for structural particleboard has been established through collaboration with Dongwha Enterprise a domestic board manufacturer enabling mass production. This marks a significant milestone as it represents the first step towards the localization of building materials for wooden houses.

Lee Min a researcher at the Wood Engineering Research Department of NIFoS stated “We hope to share the know-how gained from developing domestic structural particleboard to enhance the technical capabilities of the domestic board industry find new opportunities and contribute to the expanded use of domestic timber.”

The research report can be downloaded from the NIFoS library website (https://book.nifos.go.kr) under National Institute of Forest Science Library  Publications  Research Publications  Research Materials.