Development and evaluation of a surface-densified wood composite with an asymmetric structure

This study aimed to develop a novel wood composite with an asymmetric structure by surface densification technology. A series of single-surface densified wood specimens were prepared by the hot-pressing process. The impact of effective dense layer on their physical and mechanical properties were investigated. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of densified wood were dependent on the effective dense layer thickness and position. The surface hardness and impact resistance are higher than some hardwood species often used for solid wood flooring. In addition, the cell lumen volume in densified layer was significantly reduced compared to that of the un-densified layer.