In this study, several types of oriented strandboard (OSB) panels were compared including those prepared using a novel method involving the application of plastic film directly to the OSB faces by hot-pressing. Different edge seal methods were also evaluated. A flooring simulation test involving both water spray and drying cycles was used to evaluate the dimensional stability performance of the OSB panels. In total, three tests were carried-out to evaluate the swelling properties of OSB panels with different edge seal and face plastic cover combinations.
Results showed that when plastic coated panels were installed in the flooring simulation set-up and then sealed around the edges with tape, the edge and inside edge thickness swelling could be significantly reduced compared to control panels. Also, the panels with a plastic covering on both faces warped less and recovered better after air-drying compared to panels with plastic film on the top face only.
This study has shown that when panels are first coated with plastic by hot-pressing and then sealed around the edges with tape after installation, thickness swell and warping can be minimized. This method is especially promising for providing sufficient protection of OSB when used in flooring applications which are exposed to short-term exposure to wetness due to weather exposure.