Decay, mold, and termite resistance of high-density fiberboard from wood and chicken feather fibers

The decay, mold, and termite resistance of high-density fiberboard (HDF) formed using combinations of wood and chicken feather fibers (CFF) bonded with polyurethane resin was investigated. Laboratory and underground field exposure tests showed that HDF containing 50% to 100% CFF by weight were moderately to highly resistant to the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus (L.) Murrill and the subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann. Moderate to heavy mold growth was observed on HDF containing 25% to 100% CFF when inoculated with a mixed strain of Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Trichoderma viride. In general, HDF consisting of wood fibers and CFF was resistant to decay and subterranean termite but susceptible to mold growth. The susceptibility HDF to mold may require the use of a biocide to improve mold resistance.