MFW is the low density
: part of the composite that is very stiff for it's weight. To get equal
: stiffness from a 'glass/resin layup you would need to add a lot of 'glass
: and, hence, weight. (To all the engineering types out there: Is this
: because MFW is strong in both compression and tension whereas glass fiber
: is only strong in tension?) Because MFW is light we can use it in thicker
: sections, which contributes a lot to stiffness.

: Mike Scarborough
: Friendship Kayak

Mike,

Wood, like a glass fiber composite, is also weaker in compression than in tension. The reason wood is light and stiff is because of it structure. Wood is comprised of parallel tubes made of cellulose and lignin. These organic polymers are oriented in a way that enhances the stiffness of the tube walls. So, the stiffness is a combination of polymer orientation, and shape factor, while the light weight is due to lots of open space.

Sam