Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: As industries continue to prioritize sustainability and resource efficiency, Paulownia stands out as a sustainable candidate for replacing Balsa in engineered wood products, offering a lighter, cost-effective solution with the added benefit of reduced ecological impact. The aim of this research is to manufacture 7 mm- and 15 mm-thick plywood from Paulownia tomentosa x elongata veneers (as an alternative for balsa veneers) using polyurethane (PUR) and melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) adhesives, and to analyze their physical and mechanical properties. Panels with five and seven layers and thicknesses from 0.8 to 3 mm were tested for bulk density (247–385 kg/m3), thickness swelling (2.47%–5.34%), and water absorption (35%–68%) according to European standards. Mechanical properties assessed included three-point bending strength (MOR) parallel (22–35.8 N/mm2) and perpendicular to the fiber/grain (13.4–21.8 N/mm2), three-point modulus of elasticity (MOE) in longitudinal (2824–3799 N/mm2) and transverse directions (1183–1825 N/mm2), tensile shear strength (1.76–2.52 N/mm2), and screw withdrawal resistance (41.9–60.6 N/mm). Results indicate that Paulownia plywood has significant potential for lightweight construction due to its low density and favorable properties, with MUF adhesive showing superior performance in terms of density and panel properties. This positions Paulownia plywood as a strong contender in the ongoing evolution of lightweight construction materials.
Source: Forests
DOI: 10.3390/f16091436
Institutions: Transylvania University of Brașov, Fachhochschule Salzburg
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4414157249