Dimensional stabilization of compressed laminated veneer lumber by hot pressing in an airtight frame

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensional stability and strength properties of compressed laminated veneer lumber (LVL) produced using a closed hot pressing system. LVL specimens were produced with varying number of veneers using either diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) or a water-soluble phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin at varying temperatures (160–200°C), pressures (0.5–3 MPa) and hot-pressing times (2–16 min). Results show that the heating process decreases the recovery of compressive deformation in the veneers when subjected to cyclic moisture and heat conditions. Thickness swelling was approximately 5% after a drying, wetting and boiling cyclic test for LVL using the MDI resin and hot pressed at 200°C for 8 min. Modulus of elasticity and rupture increased for samples produced in both an open press and the closed press with an increase in the number of veneers and density, as did the absorbed energy in impact bending.

Keywords:

• Closed heating system
• compressed LVL
• dimensional stability
• pressure
• strength property