Fabrication, physical–mechanical properties and morphological characterizations of novel scrimber composite

Abstract

Novel scrimber composites were fabricated by impregnating wood fiber mats with phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin. The effects of density and resin content on the physical–mechanical properties were studied. The morphological and bonding characteristics were investigated to analyze the microstructural changes and resin distribution. With increasing density and resin content, the dimensional stability and mechanical properties improved. As density and resin content neared the optimal values of 1.15 g/cm3 and 13%, respectively, scrimber composite showed excellent physical–mechanical properties. The PF resin impregnated the cracks and filled the voids of scrimber. The excellent physical–mechanical properties were ascribed to the wood fiber mats, impregnation with PF resin, and densified structure.