Sandwich composites are typically produced from two high strength facings bonded to a lower strength, lightweight core. Sandwich design has proven to be efficient for applications demanding high strength and low weight. Wood-based sandwich composites have been largely limited to non-structural applications with the exception of structural insulated panels and...
Many wood composites are known to poorly resist the effects of moisture and temperature extremes over time. Degradation of adhesive bonds, irreversible thickness swell and dimensional instability result in a decrease of properties and a possible failure of the material. Accelerated weathering has become an essential tool for assessment of...
The objective of this research project was to increase the density, strength, and stiffness of two low to medium-density diffuse-porous hardwood species. Wood used in this study was processed using a method of wood densification known as “Viscoelastic Thermal Compression” (VTC). The VTC process is a three phase treatment which...
Dimensional stability of wood-based composites with changing moisture content remains an important challenge in the industry for many applications. Wood modification technologies have shown significant improvement in dimensional stability by altering the chemistry of the wood substrate, or by filling the available space in the wood microstructure that otherwise would...
Wood composites are an important renewable structural material which can be a net carbon sink when used in combination with sustainable forest management practices and high rates of log utilization. Adhesive bondlines are an essential part of composites, and for wood composites, they determine the moisture durability and mechanical performance...
Moisture durability is essential for wood composites, especially those used in building construction, where products are prone to weathering. The primary focus of this research was to determine if adhesive penetration into the cell wall has a positive influence on adhesive bond durability. To fully understand the measureable effects of...
Using plant fibers as a potential renewable material to substitute for glass fibers in fiber-reinforced polymer composites has been growing since the late 1990s. Due to high demand, there has been a shift towards ‘green concept’ material in many applications. Numerous secondary plant fibers have been explored as a source...