Influence of veneer thickness, mat formation and resin content on some properties of novel poplar scrimbers

Abstract

AbstractThick poplar veneers (4–8 mm) have been finely fluffed to manufacture novel scrimbers by two paving ways, namely by random and laminated mat formations. The following properties of the scrimbers were evaluated: modulus of rupture (MOR) via static bending, modulus of elasticity (MOE), compression strength (CS), shear strength (SS), water absorption rate, thickness swelling rate (TSR) and width swelling rate. The results show that utilization of fluffed thicker veneers reduced the mechanical properties to a certain extent. The TSR of the scrimber was first improved and then weakened by increasing the thickness of the veneers. The scrimber prepared from 6-mm-thick veneers showed the best waterproof performance. The random and laminated mat formations affected the surface texture significantly but the mechanical properties and dimensional stability to a lesser extent. With increasing resin content, the waterproof performance of the scrimbers was improved, which was not otherwise expected. The mechanical properties remained essentially unchanged except for the shear strength.