Utilization of Paulownia Wood as Core Layer in Glued Laminated Timber

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential usage of paulownia wood (Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu) as core layer in laminated structural materials. It was intended to manufacture a value added product from an undervalued wood material. Five-ply laminated specimens (50x110x1000 mm) of which inner layers were paulownia and surface layers were scots pine have been manufactured by using polyurethane glue. For comparison, control specimens of which all the layers were scots pine have also been manufactured. The thickness of the lamellas of the specimens was 10 mm. The basic density, bending strength and modulus of elasticity in bending tests were performed on the specimens. The results showed that the mean density of the specimens containing paulownia significantly decreased as compared to the control specimens. However, no significant effect of paulownia on the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity was observed. It was concluded that it might be possible to manufacture lightweight laminated structural members with adequate strength and stiffness by using paulownia in the inner layers of lamination. This also allows to convert an undervalued raw material into a value-added product.