Plywood from Plantation Species - Populus deltoides (Poplar)

Peeling, drying and gluing characteristics of Populus deltoides have been studied. It has been found that veneers suitable to manufacture plywood can be peeled by making modifications in lathe settings. Drying of the veneers was possible without any major defects. It did not offer any gluing problem with conventional Urea Formaldehyde (UF) and Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) adhesives for the manufacture of plywood. Glue shear strength values of the boards were found to be generally low with predominant wood failure. Tenderizing of the veneers helps in minimizing the warping of the plywood panels made using Poplar species.