EFFECTS OF PRESS PRESSURES ON GLUE LINE THICKNESS AND PROPERTIES OF LAMINATED VENEER LUMBER GLUED WITH PHENOL FORMALDEHYDE ADHESIVE

Abstract

The effects of press pressure on glue line thickness (GLT) and properties of laminated veneer lumbers (LVLs) manufactured from half-round sliced I-214 hybrid poplar clone veneers with phenol formaldehyde adhesives were determined. The results showed that press pressures significantly influenced GLT and properties of LVLs. Results of higher specific gravity, thickness swelling ratio, and mechanical properties, but lower GLT and water absorption ratio were attributed to higher press pressure uses. Optimum properties were obtained by using a press pressure of 10 kg cm(-2) in relation to GLT and properties of LVLs. Significant relationships were found between GLT and mechanical properties. GLT may provide reliable information to determine wood bonding quality and may be used for non-destructive evaluation of mechanical properties of wood composites in the future.