The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an insulating board based on cereal straw, characterised in that it comprises the steps of: a) mechanically grinding and screening the straw to obtain a defibrated straw, the strands of which have an average length of between 3 mm and 11 mm and an average diameter of between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, b) using a mixer and mixing the defibrated straw with a binder material in a proportion by weight of between 3% and 25%, preferably between 4% and 10%, c) injecting compressed air into the mixture to homogenise said mixture, d) heating the insulating board and calibrating it lengthwise and widthwise, e) calibrating the thickness of the material forming the insulating board, f) heating the insulating board to a temperature of at least 90 C., preferably between 110 C. and 150 C., across the entire thickness of said insulating board and for a period of at least 3 minutes, g) cooling the insulating board to ambient temperature, and h) packaging the insulating board.

An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a microstrand interface layer (MIL) applied to the top of the main strand matrix layers to minimize telegraphing, add rigidity and strength, and provide an improved surface appearance. The MIL comprises microstrands applied to the surface of the strand matrix or mat during production, prior to deposition of a fines layer. The MIL prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix, and helps prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing.

Composite cellulosic products and processes for making same. In some embodiments, the composite cellulosic product can include a plurality of cellulosic substrates and an at least partially cured binder. Prior to curing, the binder can include a mixture formed by combining magnesium oxide, water, and magnesium chloride. A weight ratio of the magnesium oxide to the magnesium chloride in the binder can be at least 2.2:1 to 8.5:1.

A process and method for producing a fire-retardant treated wood composite by applying fire-retardant material to wood strands at several points in the manufacturing process prior to the application of heat and/or pressure to a strand mat to form a manufactured wood or engineered wood composite panel. Fire-retardant material is applied at the dry bin outfeed, the blender infeed, or both. The fire-retardant material applied may be of a different type and/or different amount at each location. Optionally, fire retardant material also may be applied in the blender.

A process and method for producing a fire-retardant treated wood composite by applying fire-retardant material to wood strands at several points in the manufacturing process prior to the application of heat and/or pressure to a strand mat to form a manufactured wood or engineered wood composite panel. Fire-retardant material is applied at the dry bin outfeed, the blender infeed, or both. The fire-retardant material applied may be of a different type and/or different amount at each location. Optionally, fire retardant material also may be applied in the blender.