Basalt grid reinforcement of cement-bonded particleboards

This study focuses on the effect of basalt fiber reinforcement of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) with a target density of 1200 kg m-3 in terms of the compatibility with cement and the change in mechanical properties compared to conventionally produced boards. The modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were increased for all wood-cement ratios compared to the corresponding boards without basalt grid. Reinforcement with basalt grids significantly increased the strength-to-weight ratio (SWR) of the CBPB with various wood-cement ratios, due to the high tensile strength of the basalt grid. Simultaneously, the addition of the basalt reinforcement layer did not reduce the internal bond strength (IB). By using a basalt grid as reinforcement material, it is possible to counteract the negative effects of a higher wood particle content and even produce boards with increased bending properties. Basalt reinforcement could therefore be a good way to produce higherstrength panels and counteract the loss of strength due to the addition of wood particles.