The Impact On The Environment Of Radiata Pine

Materials Investigation

Introduction

The aim of this investigation is investigate the manufacturing process, characteristics, properties, and the impact on the environment of two materials that I may possibly use in my major project. It will also include recommendations for its uses in my major project. The two materials I am investigating are radiata pine and particle board

Manufacturing Process

Radiata Pine

After logging, the logs are debarked and squared. Then the unusable wood is removed wood before its cut into boards. Afterwards the boards are trimmed down to required size and defects are removed. The wood is then sorted and dried to increase the quality of the timber. A planer is then used to remove rough edges and any uneven areas.

Its long lasting and is suitable for all woodwork joints. It can take adhesives finishes well. However, it can have natural defects such as knots and can swell, twist, shrink and warp.2

Particle Board

Particle board is free of natural defects and does not swell. It is cost effective and is available in large sizes, although it isn’t available in very thick sized. The quality is not as good as solid timber, as can be prone to getting chipped and flaking and not suitable for many joints.1

Impact on the environment

Radiata Pine

Development and manufacturing of radiata pine is environmentally friendly as it consumes minimal resources and is sustainable.5

Particle Board

Particle board can be bad for the environment. The major problem in particle board is that the components use in it, in particular the formaldehyde in the glue used in the manufacturing process.4

Recommendations

Radiata Pine

For my project I recommend this to be used for every part of my project, as it is very versatile and can be thickened and lengthened by using glue and biscuit joints. Also, it is long lasting so I will be able to admire my work for a long time.

Particle