The importance of coffin boards to coffin making

1. Material properties and durability

Anti-corrosion performance
· Coffins need to preserve the body for a long time, so the anti-corrosion ability of the board is the primary consideration. Wood like cypress contains volatile oils, which can effectively prevent wood from being corroded and moth-eaten. Its internal chemical composition can resist the erosion of the external humid environment and maintain a relatively stable state in the underground environment, thereby extending the service life of the coffin.
· Some specially treated artificial boards have strong corrosion resistance and can maintain structural integrity under harsh environmental conditions.

Strength and stability
· The coffin needs to bear a certain weight, including the weight of the body itself and the pressure that may come from the upper soil layer. High-quality solid wood boards, such as phoebe, have hard wood, high density and strong compressive resistance.
· This allows the coffin to maintain its shape after placement and burial, and will not be easily deformed or damaged, ensuring that the body can be properly placed.
· For artificial boards, the internal fiber structure and added reinforcement materials can provide good strength.

2. Appearance and cultural symbolism

Texture and color
·The texture and color of coffin boards are of great cultural and aesthetic significance. For example, the color of mahogany coffins is ruddy, and the texture is delicate and beautiful. This gorgeous appearance not only shows the high quality of the coffin, but is also believed to add dignity to the deceased in some cultural traditions. Its unique texture pattern also symbolizes the beauty of nature and the continuation of life, giving people a solemn and gorgeous feeling.
·Different wood textures can also be used to make coffins of different styles. For example, wood with straight grain may be used to make simple coffins, while wood with complex patterns can be used to make more decorative coffins to meet the requirements of different families or cultural backgrounds for the appearance of coffins.

Cultural symbolism
·In many cultures, the choice of coffin boards is closely related to factors such as social status and religious beliefs. For example, in Ghana, elders with higher status may choose precious ebony to make coffins. Ebony is hard and has a deep color.
·In some religious ceremonies, specific wood is considered sacred. For example, in some Buddhist ceremonies, coffins made of sandalwood are believed to help the deceased transcend, because sandalwood has special religious significance in Buddhist culture, and its fragrance is seen as purifying the air and soul.

3. Impact on the environment

Degradability
·For traditional wooden coffins, the degradability of wood is an important feature. If natural wood, such as pine, is used, after burial, the wood will gradually decompose under the action of soil microorganisms over time. This decomposition process will not cause long-term adverse effects on soil structure and ecological environment like some non-degradable materials.
·Man-made fiberboard, made of wood fiber or other plant fiber as the main raw material through processes such as hot pressing. This type of fiberboard has a certain degree of degradability in the natural environment. The main components of wood fiber are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Among them, cellulose and hemicellulose can be gradually decomposed under the action of microorganisms. In the soil environment, fiberboard absorbs moisture, making it easier for microorganisms to attach and decompose the organic components in it.
·However, since some chemicals such as waterproofing agents and preservatives may be added during the production process, these additives will hinder the degradation of fiberboard to a certain extent. For example, some preservatives containing heavy metals such as copper, chromium, and arsenic will inhibit the activity of microorganisms in fiberboard, thereby prolonging the degradation time and may release harmful substances during the degradation process.