Cross laminated timber bonding quality for different brazilian species and pressing levels

Abstract

The proper choice of raw materials and manufacturing parameters for Cross Laminated Timber is essential to promote the proper bonding of the lamellas, aiming at their application in construction. However, few Brazilian species are currently used in the production of Cross Laminated Timber. The aim of this work was to characterize the bonding quality of four Brazilian reforestation species (Pinus elliottii, Eucalyptus grandis, Toona ciliata and Acrocarpus fraxinifolius) in the manufacture of Cross Laminated Timber with two-component polyurethane adhesive and five different pressure levels (from 0,1 MPa to 1,3 MPa). Bonding quality was evaluated through delamination and glue line shear tests based on the standard EN 14080 (2013). Delamination was affected by the wood species, and the best adhesion occurred for the Cross Laminated Timber manufactured with Pinus elliottii and Acrocarpus fraxinifolius at the bonding pressure of 0,7 MPa. Cross Laminated Timber bonding pressure did not affect the percentage of wood in the shear test fractured surface, whereas higher density Cross Laminated Timber showed higher percentages.