Densified radiata pine for structural composites

Abstract

A novel wood-based composite has been developed for use in structural applications. The process was designed to utilize rapidly-grown, low density, wood species. Plantation grown radiata pine is particularly well suited to this process. This is a laminated composite, where the lamina may be comprised of various materials, some of which have been treated with the viscoelastic thermal compression (VTC) process. The VTC process increases the density of wood, without causing fractures in the cell wall, thus increasing strength and stiffness of the wood material. The process may be applied to veneer, sawn wood, or strand composites. The VTC lamina is then bonded to other lamina to produce the final product. The strength and stiffness of this VTC composite exceeds any wood-based composite that is currently on the market. For example, modulus of elasticity in bending of over 20 GPa is easily obtainable.