The functionality and versatility of wood-based composite panels give them universal appeal. When properties such as high strength, light weight, good insulation, excellent machinability and ease in use are required, Medite MDF is the ideal choice for many applications.

Although Medite MDF (in its various types) is widely used as a building material, it naturally has some shortcomings. Notably, dry wood is inclined to swell and shrink in response to changes in moisture in the atmosphere. Wood is also susceptible to degradation due to attack by microorganisms, like fungi, and is not therefore naturally durable.

These shortcomings have limited the use of solid wood and even MDF in some applications. Poor durability and dimensional stability will, for example, cause wood panels to crack and delaminate over time. The good news is that Medite Tricoya has been demonstrated to have superior dimensional stability and durability, even in changing weather conditions, meaning it may now be used in situations and applications where normal MDF panels cannot.

Research with Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI), in Germany concludes that the performance of Medite Tricoya is so outstanding that it will allow it to be used in applications that have not previously been possible. Extensive performance testing has been carried out by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK. BRE, concluded that Medite Tricoya would carry a durability class (under EN350-2) of 1, or very durable this durability is equivalent to teak and more durable than oak. It also measured the creep and duration performance as well as it?s resistance to weathering. Sweden's SP Wood Technology has also tested the product's ability to resist wood destoying basidiomycetes (white and brown rot).