Bonding of laminated veneers with heat and pressure only

A new engineered wood product was obtained by pressing several layers of veneers at high temperatures. Experiments with different pressing parameters were performed in a laboratory hot plate press on Fagus Sylvatica. Shear strengths test were run according to EN 314-1 and EN 314-2 “Plywood – Bonding qualities”. Samples were analysed with a digital camera to observe the change in colour and with a X-ray microdensitometry scanner to determine the density variation and profiles. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to study the modification of wood cell structure close to and inside the bonding zones. The results showed that the bonding properties of the laminates are good, better when veneers have the same grain direction. Beech veneer with red heartwood can improve its appearance if bonded with the technology presented.Godkänd; 2006; 20070501 (ysko