Irreversible Dimensional Changes in Panel Materials

Panel materials typical of those often combined in composite panels, such as for furniture tops, were examined for irreversible dimensional changes. Length, weight, and thickness were recorded after exposure to selected equilibrium conditions higher and lower than 42 percent, which was the original and the reconditioning relative humidity. Some materials lengthened after being reconditioned to equilibrium at 42 percent relative humidity; others remained the same or were shortened. Decorative laminates and backing sheets showed shrinkage. Three panels with the same decorative laminate on face and back were investigated for warping caused by irreversible linear changes. Of the three, two unbalanced panels, that is with a different exposure history of their faces, warped considerably more than did the third, a balanced panel. These test panels were exceedingly thin; thus the warping tendency might be relatively unimportant in panels of a typical thickness such as 3/4 inch.

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