Performance of three-layer composites with densified surface layers of Nothofagus species of Southern Patagonian forests.

M SCHWARZKOPF; M BURNARD; G MARTÍNEZ PASTUR; LH MONELOS; A KUTNAR

Kuchl

Conferencia; COST Action FP1407 Third Conference.; 2017

Koper University

Nothofagus pumilio (lenga) and N. antarctica (ñire) of Southern Patagonia, Argentina are southern beech species that are currently being managed for production of saw logs with fast growing conditions. The result of these management strategies is faster growing forests, but also an increase in the percentage of low-density wood.The motivation for this study was to improve mechanical properties of these low-density woods through densification techniques.Densification of lenga and ñire wood improved the strength, stiffness, and hardness of the three-layer compositesThese results present a likely use case for densified lenga or ñire as a thin layer adhered to some core material and used in furniture, flooring, or where other high abrasion surfaces are needed