Development and evaluation of a surface-densified wood composite with an asymmetric structure. (10th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Chuanfu; Tu, Dengyun; Zhou, Qiaofang; Zhou, Jianhui; Wang, Xianju; Cherdchim, Banyat; Ou, Rongxian
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 242(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05-10
• Subjects: Poplar (Populus tomentosa Carr.) -- Surface-densified wood -- Asymmetric structure -- Mechanical properties; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: A thicker effective dense layer is a contributor to the higher mechanical properties. A correlation between vertical density profile and mechanical properties was found. The position of effective dense layer notably affects the surface hardness and MOE. Abstract: This study aimed to develop a novel wood composite with an asymmetric structure by surface densification technology. A series of single-surface densified wood specimens were prepared by the hot-pressing process. The impact of effective dense layer on their physical and mechanical properties were investigated. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of densified wood were dependent on the effective dense layer thickness and position. The surface hardness and impact resistance are higher than some hardwood species often used for solid wood flooring. In addition, the cell lumen volume in densified layer was significantly reduced compared to that of the un-densified layer.