Some properties of sandwich type composite panels manufactured from eastern redcedar

Abstract

This study presents some of the properties of sandwich type of panels made from strands of low quality eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) logs and Southern pine fibers. Experimental panels were made at three density levels of 0.60g/cm3, 0.70g/cm3 and 0.80g/cm3 using 9% phenol formaldehyde adhesive based on oven dry weight of the raw material. Mechanical properties including modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and internal bond strength of three layer panels in addition to their thickness swelling characteristics were evaluated. Both modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture of the samples improved with increasing panels density. Thickness swelling of the samples for 2-h and 24-h water soaking ranged from 8.33% to 23.90%. Both physical and mechanical properties of the panels showed acceptable and comparable results to those found in past studies used eastern redcedar and other species to manufacture strand type of product. Having fiber layers on the surface of the panels resulted in smooth surface to comparable to that of typical medium density fiberboard with an average roughness value of 6.42μm. Based on initial findings of this study it appears that eastern redcedar which is an under-utilized invasive resource can have a potential to be used as raw material for sandwich type panel manufacture.