Mechanical and thermal properties of transparent wood composite reinforced with chopped strand mat

Transparent wood composite (TWC) is a novel bio-based material with potential applications in architecture, electronics, and sustainable engineering. However, the limitation of TWC to deliver substantial mechanical strength and thermal stability has often hindered its large-scale applicability. This work offers a novel method for improving these qualities by using chopped strand mat (CSM) to reinforce TWC. In order to create hybrid composites, delignified rubberwood veneers were first impregnated with unsaturated polyester resin (UPR). Subsequently, CSM layers were integrated onto the layer of TWC to form hybrid composites. Mechanical, thermal, and optical properties of the one-layer and double-layer reinforced TWC versions were evaluated. The results demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical performance, with the MoE and MoR increasing by up to 59% and 78%, respectively, in CSM-incorporated TWC as compared to typical TWC. According to thermogravimetric analysis, CSM-reinforced TWC had greater thermal stability. The addition of CSM resulted in a drop in optical transmittance, indicating a trade-off between optical property and mechanical strength in TWC. Notably, the use of CSM had a minimal impact on the thermal insulating performance of TWC. This study presents an initial attempt to develop a scalable and cost-effective approach for producing mechanically strong TWC, demonstrating significant potential for superior structural and energy-efficient uses.