Modification of beech veneers with lignin phenol formaldehyde resins in the production of laminated veneer lumber (LVL)

Rotary cut beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) veneers were treated with four different lignin phenol formaldehyde (LPF) solutions using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent. Four of these veneers were bonded with PF adhesive to produce four-layer laminated veneer lumber (LVL). To synthesize the LPF solutions, a commercial phenol formaldehyde resin (PF resin) was individually mixed with three different technical lignins (Indulin AT, BioChoice lignin, organosolv lignin) and lignin cleavage products (LCP) at a ratio of 3:2 (60%:40%). Differential scanning calorimetry showed an increased curing temperature for the LPF resins in comparison to the PF resin. The mechanical and water-related properties of the LPF-modified LVL were shown to be similar or slightly improved compared to PF-modified LVL. Fungal degradation experiments with white-rot fungus ( Trametes versicolor ) and brown-rot fungus ( Coniophora puteana ) exhibited no significant differences in the mass loss of the LPF-modified and PF-modified samples except in one case: LVL made from veneers treated with Indulin AT exposed to the white-rot fungus. The resistance to weathering of LVL samples made from veneers treated with technical lignins was low; however, specimens treated with LCP and the reference PF resin displayed a higher resistance to weathering. It is concluded that technical lignins or LCP can, to a certain extent, be used as a substitute for crude-oil based PF resin.