New strategy for the preparation of ultra-high-strength wood-epoxy polymer composites

In this study, an ultra-high-strength compressed wood-epoxy polymer composite (CWEPC) was prepared by selective compression followed by epoxy monomer impregnation. Results showed that the flexural strength (343.8 MPa), flexural modulus (20.7 GPa), compressive strength (202.45 MPa), hardness (20.9 kN), and impact strength (47.5 kJ/m2) of the CWEPCs improved by 286.2%, 204.4%, 240.1%, 1050.6%, and 242.1% compared to that of natural wood, respectively. Moreover, no waste was generated during preparation. This study provides a simple and feasible strategy for the preparation of high-strength wood-based composites.