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Abstract
In this study, the changes in physical properties and preservative retention of high-grade plywood when subjected to artificial aging processes were examined. The plywood was 15/32-in.-thick panels manufactured from southern yellow pine A and C grades of veneer. The artificial aging processes consisted of three primary mechanisms of degradation: thermal degradation, hydrolysis, and swelling and shrinking stresses. Three aging processes of various severity were used. The least severe was cycled changes in ambient temperature and humidity. The second most severe was cycles of submersion and air-drying. The most severe was cycles of soaking first under a vacuum then under high pressure to elevate the moisture content, followed by oven-drying. Additional parameters explored included the effects of continuous load versus no load during the aging processes, and the effects of salt water versus fresh water on the high-pressure soaking. After artificial aging, the plywood was tested in flexure and tensile shear. The changes in the plywood physical properties and preservative levels with respect to the increasing number of artificial aging cycles were recorded and analyzed.
Citation
Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.; Zelinka, Samuel L.; Lebow, Stan T.; Cai, Zhiyong. 2017. Accelerated aging of preservative-treated structural plywood. Research Paper, FPL–RP–691. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 17 p.
