This study aimed to evaluate the bonding quality of plywood panels from Pinus taeda using low and high molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde resin and veneers from three different density classes. The experiment consisted of six treatments, each of which produced three panels (replicates). Tests were conducted to evaluate glue line strength to shear stress after two boiling cycles and after 24 hours of cold water immersion. Also determined was the percentage of defects in wood samples. Results indicated that the density classes being assessed differed statistically. However, no significant difference was found between panels produced with high and panels produced with low molecular weight resin as to the mean values of glue line strength, whether subjecting them to two boiling cycles or after 24 hours of cold water immersion. Interactions between different density classes and adhesive formulations were found not significant either. Low molecular weight resin (BPM) and panels produced with higher density veneers were found to have better behavior, regarding both bonding strength and percentage of defects. It was concluded that the bonding quality of plywood panels from Pinus taeda was satisfactory after using different densities of veneer and also high and low molecular weight phenolic resins. All treatments were found to comply with minimum requirements established in European standard EN 314-1/1993, which addresses bonding quality of plywood panels.
Plywood panels; Pinus taeda; veneers; phenol-formaldehyde
