Resin Transfer Molding of Wood Strand Composite Panels

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop high-performance wood strand panels for automotive application using resin transfer and compression resin transfer molding technologies. Wood strand preforms bonded with 1%, 5%, and 20% by weight low-density polyethylene and 1% by weight high-density polyethylene were impregnated with resin during the molding process and compared. The results showed that 1% low-density polyethylene is sufficient to bind wood strands into a stable preform for handling and processing. Permeability measurements using a volumetric interpretation of Darcy’s law accounted for resin flow through the thickness of the preform. When compared with previously published data on other natural fiber composites, resin transfer molded wood strand composites generally exhibited superior mechanical properties and significantly greater dimensional stability when exposed to moisture.