Appendix F
Drying of wood-based panel products
Under normal circumstances, it is not necessary to dry wood-based panel
products; the manufacturing process ensures suitably low moisture contents for
use. However drying may be required when panels have been treated
post-manufacture with water-borne preservatives of flame retardants. Kiln drying
can be used but, because of the wide range of panel types available, it is not
possible to give general guidance on drying. Drying conditions should be
carefully matched to the specific type of panel being dried, bearing in mind
particularly the possible effects of high temperature and high humidity on the
integrity of the panel.
Some companies partially air dry panels before completion of drying in kiln
and this has been found to reduce problems of efflorescence. With kilning,
panels should be stacked with at least 12 mm between faces. Face to face
stacking is not recommended.
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MTC’s
