Influence of carbon fibre layers on the strength of thermally modified laminated veneer lumber

Obstract Thermally modification of wood is an environment-friendly alternative method for improving several properties of wood without the use of chemicals. The compressive strength (CS) parallel to the grain of reinforced laminated veneer lumber (LVL) manufactured from heat treated beech ( Fagus orientalis ) veneers and carbon fibre was determined. Thermally modification was performed at 140°C, 160°C, 180°C, and 200 °C according to thermal treatment process. Carbon fibre were added as a reinforcement layer between wood veneers bonded with phenol-formaldehyde (PF), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) polyurethane adhesives (PU) to improve properties of LVL. Results showed that reinforcing LVL panels with carbon fibre increased both density and CS. The PF adhesive showed better results for reinforced LVL panels with carbon fibre. The anatomical structure and density of the wood material significantly affect its mechanical properties, including compressive strength parallel to the grains. Wood density had a strong significant linear relationship with CS.