The Impact of Basalt Mesh on the Strength of Plywood
The favorable characteristics of veneer boards—plywood—enable their wide application. There is also the possibility of enhancing plywood, such as by coating it with various films, applying coatings, reinforcing it with fibers from different materials, and using improved adhesive formulas. Basalt fibers, as a natural and environmentally friendly material, are used in various forms with quite good characteristics. Results from various tests conducted in recent years indicate an improvement in the mechanical properties of composite boards, including plywood reinforced with fibers like basalt fibers. These tests were focused on determining the position and contribution of basalt fibers in the board’s structure, as well as the application of certain environmentally friendly adhesives. For this study, samples of composite material based on wood, specifically plywood reinforced with a basalt mesh, were prepared. The basalt mesh was placed within the plywood structure in various combinations of position and amount. Subsequently, a three-point bending strength test was conducted to determine the impact of the basalt mesh on the strength of the plywood. The increase in strength opens up possibilities for expanded use, material savings, and a reduction in the overall weight of the structure, which is crucial in certain applications of such boards.