How to Read a Board Data Sheet: MOR, MOE, Bond and More
A data sheet can look like a wall of short words. Here is what the main numbers mean, using BIOMEBOARD™'s IS 3087-2025 results as the example. The sample was a 16 mm Type R board tested at IWST (ICFRE).
MOR: modulus of rupture (how much before it breaks)
This is the bending force a board can take before it cracks. Imagine a shelf loaded with books. MOR tells you when it breaks.
- BIOMEBOARD™: 13.4 N/mm2
- Standard asks for: at least 13
MOE: modulus of elasticity (how stiff it is)
This tells you how much the board bends before breaking. A board can be strong yet sag. MOE is about sag.
- BIOMEBOARD™: 2184 N/mm2
- Standard asks for: at least 1700
Internal bond (how well it holds itself together)
This is the pulling force needed to split the board through its thickness. A weak bond means layers can come apart.
- Dry: 0.45 N/mm2 (standard asks for at least 0.40)
- After a water-resistance test: 0.25 N/mm2 (standard asks for at least 0.07) Note that the data sheet also lists "tensile strength" at 0.45. This is the same test as internal bond, not a separate property.
Screw holding
- Face: 1405 N (at least 1250 required)
- Edge: 850 N (at least 850 required)
Water and moisture
- Moisture content: 5.46%. Standard range is 5 to 15.
- Swelling after 24 hours in water: 7.4%. The limit is 14%.
Density
590 kg per cubic metre. The standard range is 500 to 900.
The binder has No-Added Formaldehyde. The lab measured 1.62 mg per 100 g of board; natural fibres can contain trace amounts.
What does "MR grade" mean?
MR stands for moisture resistant. It is for interior use where humidity may be higher, but not for standing water.
How to read any data sheet
- Look for the standard (such as IS 3087) and the year.
- Check which sample was tested: thickness, type and number of samples.
- Compare results to the required minimum, not only the headline number.
- Ask for the test report.
Red flags on a data sheet
- No standard or year named.
- No sample details such as thickness or type.
- Only the best numbers shown.
- Words like "very high" with no number.
- No report number or lab name.
Do you need every number?
No. Start with the ones that match your use. For furniture, look at screw holding, bending strength, swelling and formaldehyde class. For walls, add fire and sound.
FAQs
What does N/mm2 mean?
Force per area. It is how strength is measured.
Is 13.4 a strong result?
It passes the 13 minimum, so it suits everyday furniture and panels.
What is MR grade?
Moisture resistant grade under IS 3087.
It describes a binder made without adding formaldehyde; it does not mean zero measured emissions.
What is the difference between a standard and a test report?
A standard is the rulebook. A test report shows how one sample did against that rulebook.
Want the full test report? Request it.