3.1 These test methods cover small-specimen tests for wood-base fiber and particle panel materials that are made to provide:

3.2 Data for comparing the mechanical and physical properties of various materials,

3.3 Data for determining the influence on the basic properties of such factors as raw material and processing variables, post-treatments of panels, and environmental influences, and

3.4 Data for manufacturing control, product research and development, and specification acceptance.

3.5 Not all the tests outlined in these test methods may be necessary to evaluate any particular panel for any specified use. In each instance, therefore, it will be necessary to determine which tests shall be made.

1.1 Part A—General Test Methods for Evaluating the Basic Properties of Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials—These test methods cover the determination of the properties of wood-base fiber and particle panel materials that are produced as mat-formed panels such as particleboard, medium-density fiberboard, hardboard, and oriented strand board.

Section

Significance and Use

3

Apparatus

4

Test Specimens

5

Moisture Content and Conditioning Requirements

6

Accelerated Aging

7

Size, Physical Properties and Appearance of Panels

8

Static Bending

9

Tension Parallel to Surface

10

Tension Perpendicular to Surface

11

Compression Parallel to Surface

12

Fastener Holding Tests:

 Lateral Nail Resistance

13

 Nail Withdrawal

14

 Nail-Head Pull-Through

15

 Direct Screw Withdrawal

16

Hardness

17

Hardness Modulus

18

Shear in the Plane of the Panel

19

Glue-Line Shear (Block Type)

20

Falling Ball Impact

21

Abrasion Resistance by the U.S. Navy Wear Tester

22

Moisture Tests:

 Water Absorption and Thickness Swelling

23

 Linear Expansion with Change in Moisture Content

24

Cupping and Twisting

25

Interlaminar Shear

26

Edgewise Shear

27

Compression-Shear

28

1.2 Part B—Acceptance and Specification Test Methods for Hardboard—The methods for Part B provide test procedures for measuring the following properties of hardboard:

Section

Thickness

32

Modulus of Rupture

33

Tension Strength Parallel to Surface

34

Tension Strength Perpendicular to Surface

35

Water Absorption and Thickness Swelling

36

Moisture Content and Specific Gravity

37

1.3 There are accepted basic test procedures for various fundamental properties of materials that may be used without modification for evaluating certain properties of wood-based fiber and particle panel materials. These test methods are included elsewhere in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. The pertinent ones are listed in Table 1. A few of the test methods referenced are for construction where the wood-base materials often are used.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI equivalents are approximate in many cases. 1 in. = 25.4 mm, 1 lbf = 4.45 N.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.