Paper composite panels are a phenolic resin/cellulose composite material made from partially recycled paper and phenolic resin. Multiple layers of paper are soaked in phenolic resin, then molded and baked into net shape in a heated form or press. Originally distributed as a commercial kitchen surface in the 1950s, it has recently been adapted for use in skateboard parks as well as various other applications, such as residential counters, cabinetry, fiberglass cores, guitar fingerboards, signage, exterior wall cladding, and a variety of architectural applications.

Composition

There are several manufacturers in North America who use a different composition of materials to form the final product. One composition is cellulose fiber and phenolic resin (a type of polymer) which is combined and baked for a smooth hard surface. The natural fibers are made from plant, animal and mineral sources. However most natural fibers are predominantly cellulosic. Because of the resin's thermoset properties the resulting cooled material is hard.

Applications

It was used for the Boeing 747 for their air tables, hydroforming dyes, vacuum chuck faces, work holders, and proofing materials. Architecturally, it is used for countertops. It has also been used for whaleboard in fiberglass boat building. Other commercial uses include cutting boards, prep tables, pizza peels, and the dashboard of a pickup truck prototype vehicle. Since the last quarter of the 20th century, phenolic resin and cellulose based compound materials have been used as an alternative to ebony and rosewood to make stringed instrument fingerboards. From 2012 to 2018 guitarmaker Gibson used Richlite, a paper composite material, for the fingerboard on several top-of-the-line production guitars.

Properties

Even if it is formed by laminating many layers of paper together, the finished material appears as a solid, and is not considered to be a sandwich panel. Resistance to high temperatures has been claimed to be up to 350 °F.