Influence of Adhesive Type on the Properties of LVL Made from Paricá (Schizolobium amazonicum Huber ex. Ducke) Plantation Trees

The work aimed at evaluating the influence of the adhesives on physical and mechanical properties of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) boards made from Schizolobium amazonicum plantation trees. This species is native from Amazonia and it is showing fast growing and low density. LVL was produced in three different treatment groups considering the type of adhesive used (Polyvinyl Acetate Crosslinking – PVAc, phenol-formaldehyde – PF and polyurethane – PU). For each treatment, pieces with dimensions of 25 cm x 2.2 cm x 50 cm were produced. The following mechanical and physical properties were then evaluated: static bending modulus of elasticity (EM), modulus of rupture (fM), compression strength parallel to grain (fc,0), shear strength parallel to glue-line (fv,0), shear strength perpendicular to glue-line (fv,90), water absorption and thickness swelling for 2 and 24 h of water immersion. The adhesives used in this study significantly influenced the performance of LVL. Polyurethane adhesive presented better results with respect to physical properties. Phenol-formaldehyde provided greater resistance among the adhesives tested.