Non-destructive estimation of modulus of elasticity of wood polymer composite

Dynamic modulus of elasticity (DMoE) of wood polymer composites, prepared with varying proportion of wood content, was determined using flexural vibration and ultrasonic pulse transit time methods. The DMoE was compared with the flexural modulus as measured by standard three point bending test. The elastic modulus of the composite increased with the increasing fiber content. Both vibration methods exhibited a strong linear association with static modulus. DMoE by ultrasonic pulse method was higher compared to flexural vibration method at low wood content and the difference diminished at 50% wood in composites. Both the dynamic modulus were higher as compared to the static modulus at all fiber loadings, however the difference between dynamic and static modulus reduced non-linearly with increasing wood content. © 2017, Indian Academy of Wood Science.