Performance of Six-Layered Cross Laminated Timber of Fast-Growing Species Glued with Tannin Resorcinol Formaldehyde

Abstract

The aim of this study were to evaluate tannin resorcinol formaldehyde (TRF) for the preparation of cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) made from fast-growing tree species and to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of CLTs. TRF copolymer resin was prepared by using the bark extracts of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. It was observed that the TRF adhesive possessed less solid content (23.59%), high viscosity (11.35 poise), and high pH values (10.0) compared to the standard phenol resorcinol formaldehyde. The TRF adhesive was applied to produce CLTs with the addition of 15% tapioca and flour as an extender. The six-layered CLTs were produced from sengon (Falcataria moluccana Miq.), jabon [Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb) Miq.], coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), and the combination of coconut-jabon and coconut-sengon wood. The analysis of variance revealed that the layer composition of CLT significantly affected the physical and mechanical properties of the beam. While the modulus of rupture met the standard, the moisture content and modulus of elasticity values did not fulfill JAS 1152-2007. All of the CLTs produced in this study demonstrated low formaldehyde emission, ranging from 0.001 mg/L to 0.003 mg/L, thereby satisfying the JAS 1152 for structural glue laminated timber.