Estimating mechanical properties of clear wood from ten‐year‐old Melia azedarach trees using the stress wave method

The objective of this study was to examine the potential of stress wave velocity (SWV) as a rapid and non-destructive method to estimate the mechanical properties of Melia azedarach wood. The SWV, dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE_d), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR, bending strength) and density were determined on ninety 20 ? 20 ? 320 mm clear wood specimens, obtained from stems of three ten-year-old M. azedarach trees, and tested at environmental equilibrium in 20°C, 60?% relative humidity (a moisture content of approximately 12?%). There was a statistically significant (0.1?% level) but weak correlation (R²?=?0.23) between the SWV and MOE, but no statistically significant correlation was found between the SWV and MOR. Much better results for prediction of static properties of M. azedarach wood were obtained when SWV and wood density (WD) were used together through calculation of MOE_d in the air-dry condition (MOE: R²?=?0.76, MOR: R²?=?0.47), although in the case of MOR a model based on WD alone is slightly better (R²?=?0.58), and WD is also almost as good as MOE_d for predicting MOE. It is concluded that SWV coupled with WD can be employed as a predicting parameter to evaluate the mechanical properties of M. azedarach wood during the manufacturing process, although WD alone is also effective. The SWV alone would not be useful due to MOE being almost directly proportional to WD at this moisture content.

     

Effect of panel properties on the concentrated static load (CSL) performance of oriented strand board (OSB)

The relationship between concentrated static load (CSL) performance of oriented strand board (OSB) and panel thickness, local density, and some mechanical properties (including modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and interlaminar shear strength in both major and minor directions) was investigated using both a simple linear regression method and a stepwise multi-linear regression technique. The sample boards were laboratory manufactured OSB panels consisting of eighteen combinations of different strand geometries (length, width, and thickness), strand orientations, and fines contents. Simple linear regression analysis showed that MOE (major direction), MOR (major direction), shear strength (major direction), local thickness, average board density and local density were all significantly and negatively correlated with the CSL deflection; however, in the stepwise multi-linear regression analysis only MOE (major) and local thickness were retained as significant factors possibly due to inter-correlation amongst the variables. Shear strength (major direction), MOR (major direction), average board density, MOE (major direction), MOR (minor direction), local thickness, average board thickness, local density, and shear strength (minor direction) were all found to be significantly and positively correlated with the CSL ultimate load in the simple regression analyses, but only shear strength (major) and local panel thickness were retained in the stepwise multi-linear regression model for the CSL ultimate load.     

Comparison of mechanical properties of oriented strand board made from trembling aspen and paper birch

This study compared the performance of oriented strand boards (OSB) made from trembling aspen, a low-density hardwood species, and OSB made from paper birch, a medium-density hardwood species. The birch strands were thinner than the aspen strands to ensure a comparable specific surface. Three levels of adhesive content were used: 3.5%, 5.0%, and 7.0%. Internal bond (IB) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) for flatwise and edgewise bending were determined. Both species performed equally well in IB (3.5% adhesive content: 0.46 MPa, 5.0%: 0.60 MPa, and 7.0%: 0.65 MPa). The values of MOE in flatwise bending were slightly lower for birch than for aspen panels (11.8 GPa for aspen and 10.6 GPa for birch), and the MOR values were not significantly different (combined 68.3 MPa). Edgewise bending properties were not significantly different for the two species with a MOE of 10.5 GPa and a MOR of 43.2 MPa.     

Mechanical properties of wood treated with PF-pyrolytic oil resins

Jack pine and sugar maple wood samples were treated in a two-step process that involved first a copper chloride or a copper chloride-sodium borate mixture and then a phenol-formaldehyde resin containing a certain percentage of softwood bark pyrolytic oil. Various controls were also prepared for comparison. The modulus of rupture (MOR) of jack pine samples was generally negatively affected by the treatment, the observed values being lower than those of the controls. These values were statistically lower or equal to those of untreated samples. On the other hand, the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of treated jack pine samples was not found to be statistically different from that of the untreated wood. Mechanical properties behaved in a similar way for sugar maple wood. Unlike the other treatments, copper chloride–sodium borate and the resin containing 85% of pyrolytic oil as phenol substitute appeared to slightly improve the mechanical properties of both wood species even if not significantly so. Treatment with PF-pyrolytic oil resin resulted in similar or slightly better mechanical properties when compared to CCA-treated wood. The amount of treating water soluble salts retained in samples after the first treatment had a significant impact on MOR of both wood species and on MOE of sugar maple.     

Effect of relative humidity on some physical and mechanical properties of different types of fibreboard

Equilibrium moisture content and strength properties as a function of relative humidity (RH) were measured in three types of commercial fibreboards with different densities. The measurements were made after specimens had been conditioned to equilibrium at 35, 50, 65, 80 and 95% RH and 20 °C. It was shown that the modulus of elasticity decreased slightly between 35 and 65% RH and markedly – at above 65% RH for all types of boards. A very strong decrease of modulus of elasticity was observed at about 80% RH (capillary condensation). A similar decreasing trend was observed in bending strength. Overall, high RH had a noticeably detrimental effect both on the MOE and the bending strength for all tested boards. Adequate correlation exists between bending MOE and bending strength with moisture content. The lower the density of boards the higher their equilibrium moisture content.     

Bending properties of a novel engineered composite from southern pine lumber

This paper presents the results of a study in which novel engineered composite lumber was developed, manufactured and tested. The engineered composite lumber was made by edge-laminating lower-grade No. 3 solid-sawn southern pine (SP) lumber with higher-grade tension chord material to yield tension chord lumber (TCL). Three groups of TCL (38 mm × 235 mm × 4.9 m) were made with varying combinations of SP lumber including machine stress rated (MSR) 2400Fb-2.0E, MSR 2400Fb-2.0E finger joint, and visually graded No. 1 finger joint material. One group of visually graded No. 3 control lumber (38 mm × 184 mm × 4.9 m) was also tested. All specimens were tested in static four-point bending on a universal testing machine. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were determined. The TCL lumber had significantly greater MOE values as compared with the control lumber. The mean MOE values of TCL ranged from 12.4 to 12.6 GPa, as compared with 9.6 GPa for the control group. The mean MOR values of TCL ranged from 39.3 to 47.6 MPa, as compared with 35.9 MPa for the control group. Perhaps most importantly, the 5th percentile values of MOR of the TCL were approximately double those of the control group, 29.1, 27.0, and 27.4 MPa versus 11.8 MPa, respectively.     

Fabrication optimization of polypropylene composites reinforced with steam-exploded wood flour by wet process

To take advantage of the unique characteristics of the wood flour by combining them with plastic in conventional panel pressing methods, a wet process was developed to make composites using polypropylene and steam-exploded (SE) flour from small-diameter loblolly pine. Wet-laid wood flour/polymer composites were fabricated using a standard TAPPI handsheet method followed by compression molding. The variables that may affect the product properties were investigated using an orthogonal test design. The results revealed that the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of composites increased, while modulus of rupture (MOR) decreased with increasing SE wood flour content. Both MOE and MOR of the composites increased with maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene content. Dynamic mechanical analyzer and differential scanning calorimetry measurement gave insight into the structure of these composites, and scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the interfacial adhesion.     

Effect of laminated structure design on the mechanical properties of bamboo-wood hybrid laminated veneer lumber

The effects of veneer orientation and loading direction on the mechanical properties of bamboo-bundle/poplar veneer laminated veneer lumber (BWLVL) were investigated by a statistical analysis method. Eight types of laminated structure were designed for the BWLVL aiming to explore the feasibility of manufacturing high-performance bamboo-based composites. A specific type of bamboo species named Cizhu bamboo (Neosinocalamus affinis) with a thickness of 6 mm and diameter of 65 mm was used. The wood veneers were from fast-growing poplar tree (Populus ussuriensis Kom.) in China. The bamboo bundles were obtained by a mechanical process. They were then formed into uniform veneers using a one-piece veneer technology. Bamboo bundle and poplar veneer were immersed in water-soluble phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin with low molecular weight for 7 min and dried to MC of 8–12 % under the ambient environment. All specimens were prepared through hand lay-up using compressing molding method. The density and mechanical properties including modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and shearing strength (SS) of samples were characterized under loading parallel and perpendicular to the glue line. The results indicated that as the contribution of bamboo bundle increased in laminated structure, especially laminated on the surface layers, the MOE, MOR and SS increased. A lay-up BBPBPBB (B-bamboo, P-poplar) had the highest properties due to the cooperation of bamboo bundle and poplar veneer. A higher value of MOE and MOR was found for the perpendicular loading test than that for the parallel test, while a slightly higher SS was observed parallel to the glue line compared with perpendicular loading. Any lay-up within the homogeneous group can be used to replace others for obtaining the same mechanical properties in applications. These findings suggested that the laminated structure with high stiffness laid-up on the surface layers could improve the performance of natural fiber reinforced composites.     

Influence of hydrothermal modification of fibers on some physical and mechanical properties of medium density fiberboard (MDF)

Any treatment of fibers can influence properties of medium density fibreboard (MDF). In this research, the effects of hydrothermal treatment on physical and mechanical properties of MDF were studied. Industrial fibers were hydrothermally treated in a stainless steel reactor at 120, 150 and 180 °C for 0, 30 and 90 min as holding time. Test boards were made based on 0.7 g/cm³ target density, with 10 mm thickness under a pressure of 30 bar and at a temperature of 170 °C and a press time of 10 min. The boards were tested for internal bonding (IB), moduli of elasticity (MOE) and rupture (MOR), thickness swelling and water absorption. Results showed that the water absorption was not affected by the hydrothermal treatment; while the thickness swelling was improved and the boards became dimensionally stable. The MOE was slightly reduced due to the hydrothermal treatment. The MOR and the IB were significantly decreased by the hydrothermal treatment.     

两种无损检测方法评估足尺杉木规格材动态弹性模量

利用纵向基频振动和应力波方法测量了不同规格足尺杉木的动态弹性模量,结果表明:不同尺寸的杉木规格材平均动态弹性模量变化不大;杉木规格材纵向基频振动法测得的动态弹性模量Efft在8.18~9.50GPa之间,应力波法测动态弹性模量Esw在9.02~10.38GPa之间,两者的相关性很好,相关系数可达0.9以上;杉木规格材动态弹性模量最大值和最小值差异较大,主要分布在7~11GPa之间。     

Properties of MDF from black spruce tops as affected by thermomechanical refining conditions

Wood composite industry has focused on traditional wood fibre resources such as logs, wood chips and sawmill-residues for panel manufacturing. It is becoming necessary now for the wood composite panel industry to look for ways to utilize non-traditional forest resources such as forest residuals for panel manufacturing. A full factorial experimental design with two factors: retention time of preheating and steam pressure of thermal mechanical refining and three levels with 3, 5, 7 minutes of retention time and 6, 9, 12 bar of steam pressure was carried out in the MDF pilot plant of Forintek Canada Corp. in Quebec City of Canada to evaluate the effect of refining conditions on the properties of MDF panels made from the tops of black spruce (Picea mariana). The results from this study indicate that black spruce tops could be a good raw material for MDF manufacture. The effects of steam pressure of thermomechanical refining on modulus of elasticity (MOE), thickness swelling (TS), water absorption (WA) and linear expansion (LE) were considerable. The effect of retention time of preheating on internal bond strength (IB) was significant. The effects of retention time as well as the interaction between retention time and steam pressure were also significant for modulus of rupture (MOR).     

An empirical model for predicting the mechanical properties degradation of bamboo bundle laminated veneer lumber (BLVL) by hygrothermal aging treatment

An empirical 3-D model was developed to evaluate the effect of ambient environment on the mechanical properties and degradation behavior of bamboo-bundle laminated veneer lumber (BLVL) fabricated with different levels of PF/PVAc resin. This model can describe the relationship between the modulus of elasticity (MOE), water absorption ratio, and aging temperature. Five levels of PF/PVAc weight ratio (2:1, 4:1, 6:1, 8:1 and 10:1) and three treatment conditions (18, 63, and 100 °C) were examined in this experiment. Computed tomography (CT) scanning technology was employed to observe the morphology of damage degree as well as explore the mechanism of degradation behavior of BLVL. The results indicated that the 3-D model used for tracking and monitoring the variance of MOE provided good predictors. The higher the water impregnation temperature the larger the water absorption ratio and the higher the MOE degradation were. The aging temperature had a significant effect on the mechanical properties and degradation behavior of BLVL. A linear relationship between modulus of rupture (MOR) degradation and aging temperature was observed. The degradation rate of MOE and MOR increased as the temperature increased. The aging degree tested by CT along with damage of inner board showed the PF/PVAc ratio had a significant influence on the mechanical degradation of treated BLVL when the PF/PVAc ratio was below 6:1. Localized yielding, micro-cracks developing between interfaces, PVAc resin softening along with delamination, and debonding were the main failure models for the BLVL by hygrothermal aging treatment.     

Comparison of European standard EN 310 and EN 789 in determining the bending strength and modulus of elasticity of red seraya (Shorea spp.) plywood panel: experimental and finite element analysis

The characteristic bending strength (MOR) and mean modulus of elasticity (MOE) of red seraya (Shorea spp.) plywood was determined using European Standard bending tests EN 310 and EN 789. The experiment found that the MOR of EN310 was higher whereas MOE were lower than those obtained from EN 789. The study also found that the choice of wood species influenced the correlation of MOR and MOE obtained by EN 310 and EN 789. Finite element (FE) model was proposed to predict MOR and MOE values. The FE analysis method showed satisfactory agreement with the experimental results, especially for EN 789. The R² values for EN 789 attempted through linear regressions range from 0.96 to 0.99. Nevertheless, it was noted that the FE models in this study had put some limitations on the prediction.     

单板含水率与桉木单板层积材性能关系初探

对不同含水率桉木单板压制的单板层积材的静曲强度、弹性模量和水平剪切强度进行检测并对比分析,结果表明,结构用单板层积材所用单板的含水率应控制在8%～12%之间。     

Lanolin-retarded water penetration into UF-bonded particleboards

A commercially available UF resin was blended with lanolin and used in particleboard manufacturing. The hydrophobing effect of lanolin as well as reduced water penetration into the particleboards, swelling and absorptivity were shown. The influence of the additive on physical and mechanical properties of the boards was examined. IB, MOR and MOE values affected by lanolin addition were studied.     

Mechanical and physical properties of thermally modified Scots pine wood in high pressure reactor under saturated steam at 120, 150 and 180 °C

Scots pine sapwood and heartwood were thermally modified under saturated steam at 120, 150 and 180 °C in a high pressure reactor. Mechanical properties such as dynamic and static modulus of elasticity (MOE), static modulus of rupture (MOR), Brinell hardness and impact toughness were evaluated. The static MOE for sapwood did not decrease substantially (approximately 1 %), not even with a high mass loss of more than 12 %, when the wood was modified at 180 °C. Static MOE of the wood increased approximately 14 %, when modified at 150 °C. Surprisingly, MOR increased by 15 %, when modified at 150 °C with mass loss of 2.3 %. Whereas impact strength and hardness decreased somewhat, when modified at 180 °C. Moreover, high anti-swelling efficiency values were obtained (60 % for sapwood and 52 % for heartwood) when modified at 180 °C.     

Reliability of proof-loaded Norway spruce

Strength grading of structural timber is a prerequisite for the use of timber in load-bearing constructions. The grading methods used in production today are mainly based on estimation of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) determined from measurements of either flatwise bending stiffness or resonant vibrations. By using proof-loading techniques, the yield can be increased and the reliability of the graded material can be improved. Unfortunately, this technique can cause damage to some of the graded material. This paper deals with the quantification and severity of damage caused by proof-loading of Norway spruce (Picea abies) timber. A total of 410 specimens were loaded in cyclic bending with increasing load level in each cycle until failure. The maximum loads during the tests were compared to the failure loads of a reference sample. If the failure load was lower than the maximum load, the specimen was assumed to have been damaged in the previous load-cycle and was defined as a rogue. The technique used is similar to the technique used for example in Australia. The results obtained fit well with the results obtained from Australian species. Examination of the MOE indicates no damage in the specimens at stress levels below 75% of the strength. Damage is in this case defined as a decrease in the MOE. Regarding Norway spruce grown in Sweden it can be concluded that the problem of damage due to proof-loading is small for timber graded to strength classes C24 or C30. For both classes the number of rogues can be expected to be less than 5%. For timber graded to higher strength classes the problem of damage due to proof-loading will increase.     

The effect of fine strands in core layer on physical and mechanical properties of oriented strand boards (OSB) made of beech (Fagus sylvatica) and poplar (Populus tremula)

This paper discusses the influence of three different content levels of fine strands in the core layers on the physical and mechanical properties of European beech and poplar oriented strand boards (OSB). The results show that increasing the fines content in the core layer from 10 to 50 %, based on total board weight has no significant effect on bending strength and modulus of elasticity (MOE). All panels exceeded the minimum requirement for bending strength and MOE set by EN standards. The highest modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) was determined for panels solely made of poplar with different level of fines content. Increasing the amount of fines in the core layer raised the internal bond (IB). Panels made with 30 % fines in the core layer showed highest internal bond strength values. As the fines content increased from 10 to 50 %, thickness swelling decreased. Water absorption after 24 h showed the same declining trend as thickness swelling.     

Variation in selected mechanical properties of Japanese larch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix kaempferi</Emphasis>, [Lamb.] Carr.) progenies/provenances trials in Eastern Canada

12 years old trees from 20 progenies/provenances of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi, [Lamb.] Carr.), planted in Quebec, were sampled to study the variation in selected mechanical properties. Two standard wood samples and one 10-mm diameter increment core were taken from each tree at breast height. The parallel-to-grain compliance coefficient and ultimate crushing strength were evaluated on the standard samples at air-dry conditions. The dynamic compliance coefficient was measured on increment cores using an ultrasonic wave propagation method. Differences in all mechanical properties among progenies/provenances were significant. Lowest static compliance coefficient and highest ultimate crushing strength were found in progenies/provenances 8934, 7795, 7283, 8962, 8907, 7794, and 8939, being the most interesting for a lumber end-use. Among them, progenies/provenances 7283, 8934, 7794, 7795, 8962, and 8907 also showed lowest dynamic compliance coefficient. The latter coefficient tended to be lowest near the pith and then increased outward towards the bark. There was also a highly significant correlation between static mechanical properties, and a moderate correlation between static and dynamic compliance coefficients. Ultimate crushing strength was moderately correlated to wood density.     

Influence of pith location on warp of lumber in sawing medium-quality sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) logs

The forest and wood industry in Japan require the development of automation technology to produce high-quality lumber from medium-quality sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) logs. This study investigates the influence of pith location on the warp of lumber. While drying reduced the bow of lumber drastically its crook remained almost unchanged. Therefore, an effective sawing method to reduce crook was sought after. Crook measured immediately after sawing increased as the distance between the center of the lumber and the pith location along the width of lumber increased. A sawing method which takes pith location into account was concluded to be effective in reducing crook. Based on these results, a new sophisticated sawing procedure to produce high-quality lumber is proposed.