EFFECT OF PRESSURE DURATION ON PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL, AND COMBUSTIBILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF LAMINATED VENEER LUMBER (LVL) MADE WITH HYBRID POPLAR CLONES

Experimental eight-ply laminated veneer lumbers (LVLs) from rotary peeled I-214 (Populus x Euramericana) and I-77/51 (Populus deltoides) fast growing hybrid poplar clones were successfully manufactured using three different press durations (18, 24, and 30 min) with a melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) adhesive. The effect of press durations on LVLs' selected physical, mechanical, and combustibility characteristics were determined. The results showed that press duration affected dimensional stability (thickness swelling and water absorption), modulus of rupture, and/or compression strength parallel to grain, depending on the clone types. Improvement in dimensional stability and some mechanical properties of LVLs can be achieved by proper curing of the MUF adhesive. On the other hand, the press durations did not affect oven-dry densities, modulus of elasticity, and the combustibility (weight loss after completion of the test). For improved physical and mechanical properties, up to a 30 min press duration can be recommended. This is necessary for LVLs when they are to be used under conditions where water and/or high humidity is present.