Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bio-Composites from Wood Particles and Liquefied Wood Resin

Compression molded composites were made from wood particles and a liquefied wood/phenol/formaldehyde co-condensed resin. Based on our previous research, a phenol to wood (P1W) ratio of 2/1 was chosen for this study. The two experimental variables selected were: 1) liquefaction temperature (1500 and 180°C) and 2) cooking method (atmospheric and sealed). Panels were tested in static bending for modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). Dimensional stability properties were also measured by 24-hour soaking and 2-hour boiling test. On average, the composite from the atmospheric cooked liquefied wood yielded higher MOR and MOE than that from the sealed cooked liquefied wood at 150°C. But, the results were the opposite at the 180°C temperature. Composites from atmospheric cooked liquefied wood gave better dimensional stabilities than those from the sealed cooking both in 24-hour soaking and 2-hour boiling tests.