Laminated Wood Material Reinforced with Bacterial Cellulose (Kombucha SCOBY) Part 2: Selected Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Kombucha pellicles (Kombucha microbial culture) were evaluated as a source of bacterial cellulose to use in the production of laminated wood material. The goal was to improve the mechanical properties. The Kombucha pellicles were produced at room temperature over an eight-week fermentation period, after which bacterial cellulose sheets approximately 1 mm thick were obtained by drying. These sheets were used in the production of laminated wood material together with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.), and Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood species, utilizing urea formaldehyde, polyurethane, and polyvinyl acetate adhesives. To evaluate the mechanical properties, the following tests were applied: compressive strength parallel to the grain, adhesive strength, bending strength, and modulus of elasticity in bending. The findings revealed that although bacterial cellulose displayed a mechanically strong structure, overall mechanical performance did not reach the desired level due to insufficient adhesion between lamina layers. The results indicated that further research is needed to improve structural compatibility and adhesion mechanisms for the use of this material in advanced mechanical applications.