Physical and mechanical properties of reinforced ply wood with natural fibers

Abstract

In this study the reinforcing effect of date palm and kenaf fibers on practical properties of plywood manufactured from horn beam wood (Carpinus betulus) was investigated. Two types of fibers consist of kenaf and date palm were hand-laid up between wood layers. Also, the effect of resin content (150 and 200 g/m2) was determined. The results showed that utilization of kenaf and date palm fibers was effective for improvement of physical and mechanical properties of plywood. The least water absorption and thickness swelling were obtained from reinforced boards with kenaf fibers and 200 g/m2 UF resin. The reinforced boards with kenaf fibers and 150 g/m2 resin had the best mechanical properties. So the kenaf fibers had better performance for improving properties of plywood as compared to date palm fibers. Overall, utilization of natural fibers for producing reinforced plywood can be effective.