Development of electrically conductive wood‐based composites using carbon nets

Abstract A novel conductive composite material was developed using woven carbon nets. For this purpose, carbon nets with different mesh sizes of 25, 100, 225, and 400 mm² were woven, using two different carbon yarns with widths of 2 and 0.5 mm. The woven carbon nets were used before and after the core layer formation during mat forming of the particleboard. It was found that the insertion of carbon nets into the panel structure not only transforms insulated particleboard into a highly conductive composite but also significantly improves the flexural properties of the composite. However, the internal bond strength and physical properties of the composites were negatively affected by the presence of carbon nets in the panel structure, although their values were still above the minimum requirements of the standard values. Increasing the mesh area of the carbon nets and using thinner carbon yarns to weave the nets had a negative effect on the electrical and mechanical properties of the composites. In addition, a demonstration object was made of conductive composites to integrate lighting and a smartphone charging port into the object and prove the applicability of the developed composites for the furniture industry. Highlights Composites with carbon nets with smaller mesh area showed higher conductivity. The smaller the width of the carbon yarn, the higher the electrical resistance. The carbon net in the composites led to a decrease in internal bond strength. The carbon nets improved the flexural properties of the composites. Thickness swelling was significantly reduced by the use of carbon nets.