Effects of Adding Unsaturated Polyester to the PVAC Adhesive on the Dimensional Stability of Laminated Veneer Lumber

Abstract

Many properties of wood are affected by changes in moisture content below the fiber saturation point of wood. In this study, the dimensional stability of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), according to TSI EN 4084 and EN 4086, was evaluated. For this purpose Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) LVL panels were used. Panels of LVL were manufactured from cut veneers, and poly-vinyl acetate (PVAc), unsaturated polyester (uPE) and mixtures of them, as adhesives. Laminated veneer lumber panels with 4 plies and 5 mm in thickness were produced for each group. Depending on the adhesive type, the swelling and water absorption of the samples were measured by determining the weight increase in the two conditions of oven dried and being above the fiber saturation point. The lowest volumetric swelling of the Scots pine was measured as 10.4% bonded with 100% PVAc (control) and the highest volumetric swelling was measured as 13.8% bonded with 90% PVAc and 10% unsaturated polyester. The lowest volumetric swelling of the Oriental beech was measured as 17.2% bonded with 100% PVAc (control) and the highest volumetric swelling was found to be 21.8% bonded with 90% PVAc and 10% unsaturated polyester. Statistical analysis results show that adding unsaturated polyester to the PVAc increased the volumetric swelling and water absorption levels of both the Scots pine and Oriental beech LVL panels.