Effect of Structural Design on the Pore Structure, Water Resistance, and Mechanical Properties of Engineered Wood/Bamboo Laminated Composites

Abstract

An important principle in rational manufacturing design is matching the properties of composites to their intended uses. Herein, six laminated composites (LCs) were manufactured using fibrous moso bamboo and poplar veneer units, and their pore structure, water resistance, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The LC density (640–1290 kg/m3) increased significantly with increasing bamboo veneer unit content. The LC surface texture and roughness depended on the density and type of surface layer. With increasing LC density, the water absorption rate (WAR), width swelling rate (WSR), and thickness swelling rate (TSR) decreased exponentially and the mechanical properties increased linearly. This behavior was closely related to the changes in pore structure caused by density. Notably, the water resistance and mechanical properties of the LCs with densities higher than 910 kg/m3 were superior to the highest levels specified in GB/T 20241–2006 for ‘‘laminated veneer lumber’’ and GB/T 30364–2013 for “bamboo scrimber flooring”. Thus, these engineered materials are promising for outdoor structures and flooring.