Aluminum-laminated Panels: Physical and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Aluminum lamination was performed to improve the physical and mechanical properties of several wood-based composite panels. The panels were aluminum-laminated on two faces in a hot press at 689 kPa and 120 °C for 6 min. Four types of wood-based composites were used as cores, and aluminum 3003 alloy sheets were used for face laminations. Polyurethane adhesive ensured bonding strength between the wood-based composite and the aluminum sheets. The objective was to assess sandwich composite panels made of wood-based composites as a core layer with aluminum-laminated faces. This study evaluated the physical and mechanical properties of these panels. The results show that aluminum-laminated panels had higher dimensional stability (thickness swelling and linear expansion values). Bending properties such as the apparent modulus of elasticity (Eapp) and the modulus of rupture (MOR) were significantly increased with face-lamination. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) laminate presented an increase of 554% for Eapp and 570% for MOR in comparison with non-laminated MDF panels. The shear edgewise strength for oriented strand board and plywood increased by 44% and 77%, respectively. The results confirm that aluminum-laminated panels have the potential to be used as structural panels in future applications.