Nondestructive test and prediction of modulus of elasticity of veneer-overlaid particleboard composite

The effects of grain angle, thickness of face veneer, and shelling ratio on dynamic modulus of elasticity (E) of veneer-overlaid particleboard composite (VOP) were examined by using nondestructive test. In this study, the possibility that E of VOP can be predicted by means of some empirical formula was also discussed. This study has shown that grain angle, thickness of face veneer, and shelling ratio have substantial effects on E of VOP. The E at 0° of grain angle of face veneer was the largest, decreasing rapidly with increase in the grain angle. The lowest value of E occurred at 90° of grain angle of face veneer. The relationship between grain angle of face veneer and E of VOP can be expressed in the form of Jenkin's and Hankinson's equations. The orthotropic properties of wood and VOP defined as the ratio E ₀/ E ₉₀ were 25.7 for wood and 4.7 for VOP. When the grain direction of face veneer was parallel to the length of the specimens, the E of VOP increased with increasing shelling ratio. VOP increased E from 125 to 179% over that of the particleboard and veneer thickness from 2.1 upto 3.6 mm. However, when the grain direction of face veneer was perpendicular to the length of the specimens, the E of VOP decreased with increasing shelling ratio. VOP decreased E from 23 to 41% over that of the particleboard and veneer thickness from 2.1 upto 3.6 mm. The relationship between E of VOP and face veneer thickness can be expressed in the form of a second-order parabolic equation. Rule of Mixture (ROM) can be used to predict E of VOP from the E of wood element and particleboard element.