Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) manufacturing using three hybrid poplar clones

Laminated veneer lumbers (LVLs) were manufactured from veneers of 3 rotary peeled fast growing hybrid poplar clones, I-214 (Populus xeuramericana), I-77/51 (Populus deltoides), and S.307-26 (Populus deltoides), with a phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesive. Two Populus deltoides clones that are grown in Turkey were used for the first time in LVL production. The clone effect on selected LVLs' physical, mechanical, and combustion properties were investigated and compared to those of host woods (HWs). In addition, the suitability of 2 new Populus deltoides clones in addition to Populus xeuramericana was determined for LVL manufacturing. The properties of LVLs were affected by clone types. Populus deltoides clones had better physical, mechanical, and combustion properties compared to those of Populus xeuramericana. This could be attributed to the higher density and fiber length values of Populus deltoides clones. S.307-26 clone had the highest and I-214 had the lowest physical, mechanical, and combustion properties among 3 different hybrid poplar clones. Contribution factor, compaction factor or densification, improvement rate, manufacturing technique, and LVL technology were counted among the reasons for the higher LVLs' properties compared to those of HWs. The findings of the present research may be used to increase the use of fast growing poplar wood for value added products, i.e. LVLs by providing scientific data.