Wood-polypropylene composites: A multi-laminated panel and a fiber-reinforced particleboard panel

In this report, results are presented for two types of panels, both made with wood material and polypropylene, but in quite different manners. A multi-laminate panel was made with a series of laminations containing polypropylene fiber combined with recycled paper. Each lamination was pressed separately and then combined to make a material similar to plywood but with better dimensional stability. Some special requirements also had to be met, since one of the target markets for this material is the dieboard industry. This board can be cut and incised by laser, without runs, and with a clean cut. Results on impact strength and density profile will be presented. One of the drawbacks of the current particleboard product is the rather high density, which is necessary to meet performance requirements. Accordingly, without changing the density or adhesive (urea formaldehyde) content, the weak center layer of the board was reinforced with about 5 percent polypropylene fiber. The performance of the board was enhanced in a significant fashion, especially the internal bond, which is sensitive to the structure of the panel's middle layer. Thus it would be possible to lower the density, while still maintaining the required mechanical properties. Added cost remains a problem. The use of recycled fiber, such as PET or nylon, should be considered Additionally, there are problems with the formation of an homogeneous mat, before pressing.