Assessing interfacial bonding behaviour between wood and thermoplastics in composite materials

To assess the complex interfacial structure within composite materials a new interface testing method has been developed which idealises the bondline between wood and polymerhg. It allows in-situ testing of varying polymers and substrates over a range of temperatures, cooling rates and pressures. The method is based on a custom-modified Automated Bonding Evaluation System (ABES). The results reveal a range of interfacial bondline strengths which were dependent on pressing and testing temperatures, individual polymer properties and differing wood substrates which demonstrate the potential application of this new interfacial adhesion test for composite design and manufacture as well as service life predictions of fibre-reinforced thermoplastics.