Selected physical, mechanical, and insulation properties of carbon fiber fabric-reinforced composite plywood for carriage floors

Lightweight automobiles urgently need a kind of high strength lightweight structure carriage floor. In this study, a carbon fiber fabric/poplar/eucalyptus composite plywood for carriage floors was prepared by designing different structures of low-strength, fast-growing poplar veneer, eucalyptus veneer, and high-performance carbon fiber fabric. The mechanical properties, thermal insulation, and sound insulation of the composite plywood were evaluated. Results indicated that the composite plywood had a density of less than 0.7 g/cm3. In addition, the 24 h water absorption rate and the 24 h thickness swelling rate of the composite plywood were markedly reduced after the surface was reinforced with the carbon fiber fabric. The core-reinforced group showed large increases in bond strength, screw holding capability, and thermal insulation performance. The carbon fiber fabric-reinforced plywood showed improvement in stability and sound insulation performance in high-frequency bands. The carbon fiber fabric-reinforced plywood is a low-cost, high-strength, lightweight floor alternative.