The effect of hygro-thermo-mechanical modification on the applied properties of glulam made from poplar

The objective of this study was to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of glulam made from compressed poplar wood (Populus deltoides) by technique of Combined Hygro-Thermo-Mechanical Treatment (CHTMT) which is combination of two techniques of hygrothermal treatment and densification of wood. The poplar wood blocks were initially treated hygrothermally at temperatures of 130, 150, and 170°C for holding times of 20 and 40 minutes. Afterwards, the densification process was carried out under a hot press (at 160°C for 20 minutes) at two levels of compression set, i.e. 40 and 60 percent based on the blocks thickness (radial direction). For production of glulam, the blocks were jointed together by finger joint and polyurethane resin. The produced glulam were physically and mechanically tested for its water absorption, radial and tangential swelling, delamination, bending strength, modulus of elasticity and shear strength. Results revealed that physical and mechanical properties of glulam were enhanced due to the CHTMT treatment. According to the results, water absorption and radial swelling of glulam were increased due to the CHTMT, significantly. Moreover, this treatment reduced the delamination of samples after soaking- drying cycles. It was also found that the CHTMT could significantly enhance mechanical properties of glulam such as bending strength and bending modulus of the elasticity; but decreases shear strength of glue line. Generally, results showed positive effects of CHTMT in glulam production.