Laminating wood fiber mats into a densified material with high performance

Abstract To develop high-performance wood materials, a novel preparation strategy is presented in this study. Wood fiber mats impregnated with phenolic resin, were laminated into a densified material. Wood lumens collapsed layer by layer during densification, leading to a compact multi-layered structure. The densified material had excellent mechanical properties and favorable water resistance. The flexural, compressive, and short-beam shearing strength were approximately 230%, 400%, and 260% higher than that of natural wood, respectively. The water absorption rate and thickness swelling rate in boiled water were 19% and 5.7%, respectively. Surface water repellency was also enhanced due to reduction of hydrophilic groups on the surface. Such high performance makes the material a promising candidate for advanced engineering structures and applications.