Heat treatment of poplar plywood: modifications in physical, mechanical and durability properties

Plywood made of poplar are limited to indoor usages since exhibits a rather low natural durability. Recently, wood heat treatments have been applied improve properties such as decay susceptibility and dimensional stability. This study examines the potential exposing plywood treatment extend applications this engineered product outdoor end uses, new markets accordingly. panels were glued with two different adhesive formulations based on same melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resin compare their respective ability resist treatment. These plywoods thermally modified in saturated steam conditions at 215 °C for 2 hours following ThermoWood® process, up reach 14% mass loss. The durability improvement brought by was assessed order evaluate any possible uses plywood. After all conducted analyses, use treated humid interior protected exterior service confirmed.