Manufacturing and characterisation of wood-veneer sandwich panels with flame-retardant composite cores. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chanda, Avishek; Kim, Nam Kyeun; Bhattacharyya, Debes
• Is Part Of: Composites communications. Volume 27(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Veneer-composite -- Fire-retardant -- Plywood -- Wool-PP composite
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2021.100870
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2452-2139

Abstract

Abstract: Composite sandwich structures have been used for both structural and non-structural applications for many decades. However, their fire-reaction properties have not yet been comprehensively reported. The current work deals with fabricating a fire-retardant sandwiched veneer composite where a flame retardant (FR) modified wool-polypropylene (PP) composite has been selected as the core between two wood veneers. The mechanical and fire-reaction properties of conventional plywood and solid FR wool-PP composites were compared to those of the aforementioned sandwich structure. The research output indicated superior fire-reaction properties of the sandwich structure compared to those of the normal plywood samples. Furthermore, the veneer composites demonstrated improved mechanical properties with respect to those of the FR wool-PP composite and the transversely loaded plywood samples. Highlights: Flame-retardant wool-PP cores were sandwiched between radiata pine veneers. Flame retardant cores significantly improved the fire performances of sandwich panels. Veneers substantially enhanced the mechanical performance of wool-PP core alone. Veneer face-sheets allowed the aesthetic look of a wood panel to be preserved.