Performance properties of plywood composites reinforced with carbon fibers

In this study, carbon fibers were added as a reinforcement layer between wood veneers bonded with melamine-urea–formaldehyde (MUF) resin to improve properties of standard wood laminated composite. Two different fiber orientations were tested, being parallel and perpendicular to the veneers. In addition, two different locations were evaluated. Internal, surrounding the core veneer, and external, below the surface veneer. Flexural properties, water absorption, density, cutting force, and tensile shear strength were tested and evaluated. Results showed that reinforcing plywood panels with carbon fibers increased both MOR and MOE. The cutting force showed better results for composite panels with CF in a perpendicular orientation. Moreover, the water uptake and thickness swelling after 24 h showed better results for fibers in the core layer, either parallel or perpendicular.