Aluminum-laminated Panels: Physical and Mechanical Properties

Aluminum lamination was performed to improve the physical and mechanical properties of several wood-based composite panels. The panels were aluminum-laminated on two faces in a hot press at 689 kPa and 120 degrees C for 6 min. Four types of wood-based composites were used as cores, and aluminum 3003 alloy sheets were used for face laminations. Polyurethane adhesive ensured bonding strength between the wood-based composite and the aluminum sheets. The objective was to assess sandwich composite panels made of wood-based composites as a core layer with aluminum-laminated faces. This study evaluated the physical and mechanical properties of these panels. The results show that aluminum-laminated panels had higher dimensional stability (thickness swelling and linear expansion values). Bending properties such as the apparent modulus of elasticity (E-app) and the modulus of rupture (MOR) were significantly increased with face-lamination. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) laminate presented an increase of 554% for E-app and 570% for MOR in comparison with non-laminated MDF panels. The shear edgewise strength for oriented strand board and plywood increased by 44% and 77%, respectively. The results confirm that aluminum-laminated panels have the potential to be used as structural panels in future applications.