Tensile and dimensional properties of wood strands made from plantation southern pine lumber

Abstract

Working stresses and performance of strand composite lumber largely depend upon the properties of each individual strand. Southern pine strands from plantation lumber grown in southern Louisiana were investigated in this study in order to understand strand behaviors. The effects of hot-pressing and resin application on tensile modulus, strength, and dimensional expansions (in three directions) were discussed. The mechanical properties of the untreated control strands were similar to those of solid wood products, while their dimensional expansions were larger than the reported values for solid wood. Hot-pressing and resin application had a significant impact on strand performances. Strands located in face layers of the mat were even more sensitive to hot-pressing and resin usage than strands in the core layer, and their strength and modulus increased significantly due to initial high press temperature and pressure applied to them.

Citation

Wu, Qinglin; Cai, Zhiyong; Lee, Jong N. 2005. Tensile and dimensional properties of wood strands made from plantation southern pine lumber. Forest products journal. Vol. 55, no. 2 (2005): p. 87-92.