Some mechanical properties of densified and laminated Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra L.)

Abstract

In this study, it was studied the effects of densification and then lamination processes on some mechanical properties of Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra L.), which is one of the low density tree species. Densification temperatures were 80, 100, 120 and 140 degrees C and ratios of densification were 15, 30 and 50 %. Furthermore, lamellas with a thickness of 4 mm cut from densified materials were laminated by bonding one on top of the other with urea formaldehyde (UF) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesives. Bending, modulus of elasticity, compression and tensile tests were applied by preparing specimens from the pieces. According to test results, the most suitable temperature level was 120 degrees C. As the ratio of densification was increased at this temperature level, increase were observed in the mechanical properties. Also, lamination provided significant increases in the mechanical values compared to laminated but undensified Lombardy poplar. Increases were observed in the mechanical properties reaching 444 % with application of densification and lamination processes.