A three-dimensional void reconstruction method for analyzing fractal dimensions of void volume in wood-strand composites

Abstract

Abstract A three-dimensional reconstruction method has been developed for voids in oriented strandboards made of mixed hardwood flakes. The method relies on the combination of X-ray computer tomography, image processing, and computer-aided design. The fractal dimension of void volume (FDVV) in the manufactured samples was calculated based on Menger sponge fractal model. It was shown that the FDVV decrement is linear to the increased void volume ratio. At the same overall porosity level, FDVV varied as a function of internal void distribution. FDVV can be a useful parameter for characterizing the internal void structure of strand-based wood composites.