Wood particle size affects the decay resistance of woodfiber/thermoplastic composites

The fungal durability of woodfiber/thermoplastic composites is an area of recent scientific interest. Model composites containing 50% wood, on an ovendry composite weight basis, were produced using a range of wood particle sizes from two different wood species. The decay resistance of the composites...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forest products journal 2002-11, Vol.52 (11-12), p.78-81
Main Authors: VERHEY, Steven A, LAKS, Peter E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Composite materials
Exact sciences and technology
Forest products
Forest products industry
Fungi
Moisture absorption
Mold
Particle size
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Statistical analysis
Studies
Testing laboratories
Thermoplastic composites
Wood composites
Wood products
Wood-based materials
Wood. Paper. Non wovens
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Summary:The fungal durability of woodfiber/thermoplastic composites is an area of recent scientific interest. Model composites containing 50% wood, on an ovendry composite weight basis, were produced using a range of wood particle sizes from two different wood species. The decay resistance of the composites was evaluated against Gloeophyllum trabeum and Trametes versicolor. It was found that weight loss increased as the wood particle size increased. Decay in the pine-based composites was more sensitive to particle size than the maple-based composites. More wood volume is accessible to the fungi on the faces and along the edges of composites produced with large particles, resulting in higher weight losses. In addition to the exposure of greater wood volume when large particles are used, forces induced by moisture absorption and swelling may act to increase the accessibility of the wood in these composites.
ISSN:0015-7473
2376-9637