Natural decay resistance of LVL made of veneers from durable and non-durable wood species

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) was laboratory manufactured using veneers from decay and non decay resistant species in order to evaluate changes in the durability as a result of the LVL manufacturing process, and to test if the mixing of decay resistant species and non decay resistant species can improve durability. Laboratory soil block test and field test were conducted. The durability of solid wood was comparable to that of LVL made using the same species. For LVL made using veneer from durable and non-durable wood species, durability was improved when two faces and one core veneers were from decay resistant species.

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Natürliche Fäulnisresistenz von Brettschichtholz aus haltbaren und nicht haltbaren Holzarten

Zusammenfassung Aus fäulnisunbeständigen und -beständigen Holzarten wurde in einem Labor Brettschichtholz hergestellt, um Veränderungen in der Dauerhaftigkeit auf Grund ihres Herstellungsverfahrens zu evaluieren, und um zu prüfen, ob das Mischen von fäulnisunbeständigem mit fäulnisbeständigen Holzarten die Dauerhaftigkeit von LVL verbessern kann. Bodentests wurden im Labor und als Freilandversuche durchgeführt. Bei Verwendung derselben Spezies war die Dauerhaftigkeit von massivem Holz vergleichbar mit derjenigen von LVL. Bei Brettschichtholz, welches aus resistenten und nicht resistenten Arten gefertigt war, wurde die Dauerhaftigkeit verbessert, wenn zwei Aussenschichten und eine Innenschicht aus einer fäulnisbeständigen Holzart war.

     

Properties of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) made with low density hardwood species: effect of the pressure duration

Cross-linked polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesive and thin veneers of three low density wood species, namely silver maple, yellow poplar and aspen, were used to produce LVL engineered wood products using different press durations. Density, water absorption, thickness swelling, flexural strength and surface hardness were evaluated. Internal bond strength, tensile shear and block shear strengths were tested in dry, accelerated (boiling and dry) and cyclic (wet and dry) conditions. LVL made using cross-linked polyvinyl acetate and silver maple with a platen temperature of 38 °C for 5 minutes exhibited the best properties. LVL of silver maple veneers showed improved properties as compared to yellow poplar and aspen. Silver maple can be used suitably in laminated veneer flooring.     

Veneer stiffness predicted by NIR spectroscopy calibrated using mini-LVL test panels

D. Don) veneers. Spectral data obtained from 1.2×2.4 m veneer sheets was corellated against stiffness data obtained from 6-ply mini-LVL panels prepared from the sheet. This paper describes the method used to prepare the mini-LVL test pieces and the results of multivariate regression of NIR spectra with the test piece stiffness. The results show the potential for using NIR spectroscopy for on-line assessment of veneer stiffness prior to layup of plywood or LVL panels. Selection of high stiffness veneers for layup would enable engineered panels of high uniform stiffness to be produced.     

A comparative study on some physical and mechanical properties of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) produced from Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) veneers

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) panels made from eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) and beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) veneers were tested for physical and mechanical strength properties in this study. Urea formaldehyde (UF) and Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) adhesives were used for eucalyptus LVL panels and UF adhesive for beech LVL panels. The effect of veneer wood species on some physical and mechanical properties was found statistically significant. Also, different glue species caused the differences in strength properties of LVL panels.

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Über einige Eigenschaften von Furnierschichtholzplatten hergestellt aus Buchen- und Eukalyptusfurnieren

Zusammenfassung In diesem Beitrag werden einige physikalische und mechanische Eigenschaften von Schichtholzplatten, hergestellt aus Buchen- (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) und Eukalyptusfurnieren (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) untersucht. Für die Herstellung von Schichtholzplatten wurden die Buchenfurniere mit UF und die Eukalyptusfurniere mit UF und PVA verleimt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sowohl die Art des Bindemittels als auch die Holzart der Furniere die Eigenschaften der Schichtholzplatten signifikant beeinflussen.

     

Properties of laboratory made yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) laminated veneer lumber: effect of the adhesives

Four different commercial resin formulations namely cross-linked polyvinyl acetate (XPVAc), melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF), urea formaldehyde (UF) and melamine formaldehyde (MF) were used to produce laminated veneer lumber (LVL) from yellow poplar veneers in the laboratory. Physical and mechanical properties were evaluated using ASTM (D 1037, D 906, D 5456) standards and compared. Internal bond, tensile shear and block shear strengths of specimens subjected to accelerated (boiled water) and cyclic (repeated cold water) conditions were also determined. Strength properties of yellow poplar LVL were improved compared with the solid wood. The properties of XPVAc bonded LVL were superior or comparable to the thermosetting adhesives. This study clearly indicated that cross-linked PVAc can be used to manufacture LVL with acceptable properties.     

Modification of beech veneers with lignin phenol formaldehyde resins in the production of laminated veneer lumber (LVL)

Rotary cut beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) veneers were treated with four different lignin phenol formaldehyde (LPF) solutions using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent. Four of these veneers were bonded with PF adhesive to produce four-layer laminated veneer lumber (LVL). To synthesize the LPF solutions, a commercial phenol formaldehyde resin (PF resin) was individually mixed with three different technical lignins (Indulin AT, BioChoice lignin, organosolv lignin) and lignin cleavage products (LCP) at a ratio of 3:2 (60%:40%). Differential scanning calorimetry showed an increased curing temperature for the LPF resins in comparison to the PF resin. The mechanical and water-related properties of the LPF-modified LVL were shown to be similar or slightly improved compared to PF-modified LVL. Fungal degradation experiments with white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor) and brown-rot fungus (Coniophora puteana) exhibited no significant differences in the mass loss of the LPF-modified and PF-modified samples except in one case: LVL made from veneers treated with Indulin AT exposed to the white-rot fungus. The resistance to weathering of LVL samples made from veneers treated with technical lignins was low; however, specimens treated with LCP and the reference PF resin displayed a higher resistance to weathering. It is concluded that technical lignins or LCP can, to a certain extent, be used as a substitute for crude-oil based PF resin.     

Evaluation of white rot decay in phenol-formaldehyde resin treated European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) LVL by drilling resistance measurements

Improving the properties of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) through wood modification expands its usage as building material, especially for outdoor applications. The outdoor performance of LVL products needs to be tested against different biotic agents, and methods are needed for testing and evaluating their effect on the structural integrity of LVL. In this study, drilling resistance (DR) measurements were used to quantify the effect of fungal decay in phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin treated European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) LVL caused by white rot fungi. Material specific peculiarities and their effect on the evaluation method were studied such as the effect of drill bit blunting, moisture content (MC), drilling direction and PF resin content on the DR of PF-modified LVL. The drilling direction in relation to veneer and glue layers had a significant effect on DR and feeding resistance (FR). The PF resin treatment increased the DR. Feeding resistance was found more sensitive to the blunting of the drill bit than DR. The effect of MC on DR and FR was found to be insignificant. The effect of PF resin content on the prediction of mass loss (ML) by DR became prominent only for ML by white rot decay below 10 %. Correlations between DR, ML due to fungal decay and weight percent gain were established and described with a two-factor regression model. The drill bit feed rate of 0.5 m min^?1 and the rotational frequency of 3500 min^?1 as well as the transversal drilling in relation to the veneer (glue) layers were recommended for the assessment of beech LVL treated with PF resin. The DR measurements showed high potential as a fast standard evaluation method for decay and strength loss of LVL products.

     

Influence of the slicing technique on mechanical properties of?the?produced veneer

The aim of this investigation was to compare the mechanical behaviour of lengthwise and plain sliced veneer of the species beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). Therefore, tension tests parallel and perpendicular to the grain were carried out. The results were evaluated using the variance analysis (ANOVA). As a result it can be stated that lengthwise sliced veneers exhibit significantly higher strength and better mechanical characteristics than plain sliced veneers. The checks parallel to the grain which occurred by manufacturing at that side of the veneer leaf which faces the cutting edge and which is stressed in tension are to be considered as reason therefore. In contrast to the tests parallel to the grain the modulus of elasticity perpendicular to the grain shows significantly lower values for lengthwise sliced veneers than for plain sliced veneers. Due to their higher strength values lengthwise sliced veneers are considered better base materials for engineered wood products than plain sliced veneers.     

Evaluation of strength properties of parallel splint lumber (PSL) and its comparison with laminated veneer lumber (LVL), rubber wood and teak

Heavea brasiliensis ) and an exterior type of adhesive were evaluated in air-dry condition. Block shear tests were also carried out in wet and dry condition. Comparisons of these strength values were made with those of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), solid rubber wood and standard teak. The results show that PSL has slightly lower values of strength properties compared to teak, solid rubber wood and quite inferior ones to those of LVL. On the basis of the data obtained in the present study, PSL made from rubber wood can be utilised as a structural material for different purposes like door and window frames, rigs and trusses.     

Evaluation of strength properties of parallel splint lumber (PSL) and its comparison with laminated veneer lumber (LVL), rubber wood and teak

( Heavea brasiliensis ) and an exterior type of adhesive were evaluated in air-dry condition. Block shear tests were also carried out in wet and dry condition. Comparisons of these strength values were made with those of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), solid rubber wood and standard teak. The results show that PSL has slightly lower values of strength properties compared to teak, solid rubber wood and quite inferior ones to those of LVL. On the basis of the data obtained in the present study, PSL made from rubber wood can be utilised as a structural material for different purposes like door and window frames, rigs and trusses.

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Untersuchungen zur Verleimung von Furniersperrholz mit modifizierten Diisocyanat-Klebstoffen

It was the aim of the investigations to find some modified and extended PMDI binders, suitable for bonding vencer plywood of the type AW. The bonding strength had to fullfill the requirements of DIN 68 705 part 3 resp. DIN 53 255. Pretrieatments were a cold water storage and boiling test. Three-ply boards were pressed from spruce, beech and gaboon veneers. Binders were PMDI-glues with and without emulgators and the extender tannin, Organosolv-spruce-lignin, lignosulfonic acid, casein and corn starch. The results showed the following. Veneer plywood of the type AW can be produced applying PMDI together with suitable reactive agents. The veneer wood species, the glue mixtures, the pressing conditions and the fillers have to be adjusted to the PMDI type and to the extender. Plywood made with modified, emulsified diisocyanate showed a better bonding strength and wood failure than plywood bonded with non-emulsified diisocyanate.     

Inhibited wood degradation of cement-coated beech Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) for temporary in-ground applications

This paper investigates the long-term tensile properties of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beech sections coated with cement and exposed to fungal decay. A set of LVL coupon (dog-bone) samples was stored in compost, tested in tension after 6 and 12 months and compared to reference samples stored at 20 °C and 65% relative humidity. Results showed that after 26 weeks of compost exposure, a fungus of the Ascomycota genus was identified in cement-coated samples using a molecular biology polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, which analyses the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA. However, no visual deterioration was noticed. Still in cement-covered samples and after 12 months of exposure, a common white rot fungus was determined by DNA chip technology, but no fungal wood decay was visible in areas where the applied coating had a thickness of at least 5 mm. Decay in uncoated LVL samples was significant with the samples having an average residual strength equal to 7%. This compares to the tensile strength of coated samples, which only decreased by 65% relative to the reference samples. Strength and stiffness of coated samples did not differ significantly between 6 and 12 months of exposure. Preliminary investigations tend to show that the strength reduction in cement-coated samples is due to an alkaline degradation of the wood. The observed influence of the coating thickness on the visual fungal decay can probably be ascribed to the protection mechanism due to a physical fungal barrier with a high pH.     

Untersuchung der Schälfurner-Eignung von in Deutschland erwachsenem Douglasienholz

Rotary cut veneer was produced on industrial and pilot plant scale from 54 round logs of Douglas fir, grown in Germany. The determinant factors affecting the suitablitity of the wood for the rotary process are the often large ring widths, the big difference in specific gravity between early and late wood and the irreversible blockade of bordered pits. Consequently, long-time steaming or digestion proved to be almost inefficient. Veneer of high quality and surface smoothness has been obtained by peeling of wood felled in winter and stored for some weeks without any further treatment. The grinding and clearance angle were 20° and 2° respectively. Douglas fir was easy to handle during rotary cutting. The characterization of veneers was made according to the profile method. Plywood made from Douglas fir veneers was made using acid cuting urea formaldehyde resins (UF-resins) and alkaline phenolic resins (PF-resins). Plywood from heartwood and spwood was more or less of the same mechanical properties. The formaldehyde release from heartwood plywood was lower than from sapwood plywood.     

Effects of cold setting adhesives on properties of laminated veneer lumber from oil palm trunks in comparison with rubberwood

In this study, the properties of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) made from oil palm trunks (OPT) were evaluated in comparison with rubberwood using cold setting adhesives, namely, emulsion polymeric isocyanate (EPI) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc). The evaluations were based on either dry or after cold water, hot water and cyclic pre-treatment. The density of the OPT LVL was slightly higher than that of solid OPT. Thickness swelling and water absorption of OPT LVL were greater than of rubberwood LVL. Pre-treatment increased the water absorption and thickness swelling. The OPT LVL bonded with EPI without toluene showed greater water absorption and thickness swelling than EPI with toluene. Pre-treatment significantly reduced the tensile strength of OPT LVL. The OPT LVL bonded with EPI without toluene showed higher tensile shear strength, but a greater reduction of tensile shear strength after pre-treatment, than the OPT LVL bonded with EPI and toluene. The PVAc adhesive had greater wettability than the EPI. The EPI without toluene showed a lower contact angle than the EPI with toluene. The loose side of the OPT veneer was found to have greater wettability than the tight side.     

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.     

Emissions during combustion of particleboard and glued veneer

The combustion of particleboard and glued veneer was studied in order to evaluate if there are any negative effects on the environment from incineration of waste with adhesive. The particleboard was made with urea formaldehyde (UF) resin and the veneers were glued with different types of adhesives, UF, polyvinyl acetate, emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI), melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) and phenol resorcinol formaldehyde. The combustion tests were carried out in a fluidised sand bed reactor with a good oxygen supply at temperatures between 500°C and 1000°C for particleboard and at 750°C and 850°C for glued veneer. The emissions were compared with the emissions from combustion of pure wood and pellets made from wood. The results show that the emissions from both particleboard and glued veneer are similar to the emissions from pure wood. The only main difference is that the nitrogen oxide (NO_x) is increased when particleboard and nitrogen-containing adhesives, like UF, EPI and MUF, are combusted. The nitrogen from the adhesive is only to a minor extent converted to NO_x, e.g. only 4% of the nitrogen in particleboard gives NO_x.     

Effect of heat treatment intensity on wood chemical composition and decay durability of Pinus patula

Heat treatment is an effective method to improve biological resistance of low natural durability wood species. The aim of this study was to enhance the decay resistance of Pinus patula, an African low natural durability softwood species, via wood thermal modification technique. Heat treatment was performed on wood specimens under inert conditions at different heat treatment intensities to reach mass losses of 5, 10 and 15%. Heat treated specimens were exposed to fungal decay using the brown rot fungus Poria placenta. The wood chemical and elemental composition was determined as well as extractives toxicity before and after wood thermal modification to understand the reasons of durability improvement. The treated specimens exhibited a significant increase in their durability against wood decay in line with the severity of the treatment. Wood holocellulose was found to be distinctly more sensitive to the heating process than the lignin constituent. In addition, obvious correlations were observed between weight losses recorded after fungal exposure and both holocellulose decrease and lignin ratio increase. The same correlations were observed with the elemental composition changes allowing using the observed differences for predicting of wood durability conferred by heat treatment. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the toxicity of Pinus patula wood extractives before and after its thermal modification.     

Einfluß der Dämpfung und Trocknung von Furnieren auf deren Acetylgruppengehalt und die Formaldehydabgabe von Sperrholz

In this study, the effect of log steaming and veneer drying on acetyl group content of wood and subsequent formaldehyde emission of plywood produced were investigated. This work was carried out on pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) and beech (Fagus oriantalis Lipsky) species. Changes in acetyl group contents were determined by Freudenberg, method and IR-spectra. Formaldehyde emission was determined by WKI-bottle and perferator methods. Pronounced changes were observed in acetyl group contents due to log steaming and veneer drying. Amount of formaldehyde emission occuring in pine plywood was found to be higher than that of the beech plywood. Lower formaldehyde emission was obtained in plywoods produced using veneers with rich acetyl group content.     

Veneer stiffness predicted by NIR spectroscopy calibrated using mini-LVL test panels

Pinus radiata D. Don) veneers. Spectral data obtained from 1.2×2.4 m veneer sheets was corellated against stiffness data obtained from 6-ply mini-LVL panels prepared from the sheet. This paper describes the method used to prepare the mini-LVL test pieces and the results of multivariate regression of NIR spectra with the test piece stiffness. The results show the potential for using NIR spectroscopy for on-line assessment of veneer stiffness prior to layup of plywood or LVL panels. Selection of high stiffness veneers for layup would enable engineered panels of high uniform stiffness to be produced.

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Pinus radiata D. Don.) wurde unter Verwendung von NIR Spektroskopie vorhergesagt. Spektroskopische Daten von 1.2×2.4 m grossen Schichtholzfurnieren wurden korreliert mit der Elastizit?t von 6-schichtigen mini-Furnierschichtholzplatten, welche aus diesen Schichtholzfurnieren hergestellt worden waren. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die Methode, mit welcher die mini-Furnierschichtholzplatten hergestellt wurden, und die Ergebnisse der multivariaten Regression von NIR Spektren und der Elastizit?t der Proben. Die Methode zeigt, da? eine prinzipielle M?glickkeiten besteht, NIR Spektroskopie für eine on-line Beurteilung der Furnierelastizit?t zu verwenden, bevor diese zu einer Sperrholzplatte geschichtet werden. Eine Auswahl von Funieren mit geringer Elastizit?t vor der Schichtung würde es erm?glichen, Platten mit geringer, einheitlicher Elastizit?t herzustellen.

     

Bestimmung der Oberflächen-pH-Wert-Änderung von getrocknetem und pilzbefallenem Fichten- und Pappelfurnier mit einer Oberflächenelektrode und einem colorimetrischem Verfahren

The literature on changes of chemical properties, especially the pH-values and the influence on wood gluing, during drying is briefly reviewed. Spruce and poplar veneers were dried under various conditions: by air, under vacuum and in the oven. The effect of fungal attack was investigated as well. The pH-value on the wood surface was determined with a flat glass electrode. The pH drops with time and temperature of drying and also duration of the fungal attack. The surface of veneer made of untreated and dried spruce, poplar and pine was characterized by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy. The difference in the FTIR spectra is insignificant. Therefore this method is not applicable for the nondestructive analysis of wood just moderately dried. Poplar veneers were impregnated with citrate or phtalate puffers showing a pH from 4.0 to 6.0, graduated with 0.2 units, and then sprayed with various indicators. The “colour index” of the veneer after various drying times were determined with a Chromameter. From the six examined indicators a 0.1% bromocresolgreen-sodium-solution proved to be suitable. Air-drying of ten minutes gave more reproducible results. A subsequent two minute drying with an infrared lamp alter the “colour index”, but the coherence between colour coordinates a and b and pH-value is preserved. Buffer compound and indicator show an interaction. Only within a buffer system there is an attachement of indicator colour to a pH-value. Spruce and poplar veneer after being dried by various methods were sprayed with bromocresol-green-sodium-solution, and air dried for ten minutes. The colour index was then determined. After the determination the poplar veneers were dried for two minutes with an infra-red lamp, before they were measured again. Only in the oven dried specimens an attachement between colour coordinates a and b and pH, determined by surface pH-electrode, was established. The day light irradiation probably influences the colour index of the veneers. If the process should be applied to control the drying of wood particles or fibers, a short drying after spraying with the indicator solution should be pursuit. A continuous drying with infrared or micro wave should be examined.