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.