Addition of boron to pine veneers and ist effect on plywood properties

Abstract

This work evaluated the influence of impregnation of boron compounds, in three concentrations, on Pinus sp. veneers, and its effect on the properties of plywood. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 3 × 3 + 1 factorial scheme, with three boron compounds (boric acid, borax, and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) and three solution concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) plus the control. The panels were produced with three or five veneers, depending on the test, impregnated by dipping in boron compound solutions for 15 min and bonded with urea-formaldehyde adhesive. The apparent density, water absorption, thickness expansion, hygroscopicity, resistance to static bending (parallel and perpendicular to the grain) and shear strength were evaluted. All tests were carried out following the European Committee for Standardization, and the results were compared to the Brazilian Association of Mechanically Processed Wood requirements. Based on the results, it is recommended to use boric acid at a concentration of 1% or 3% or the other compounds tested at a concentration of 1%.