Mechanical and Hygroscopic Properties of Longitudinally-Laminated Timber (LLT) Panels for the Furniture Industry

One likely reason why cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels are not applied in furniture designing is their unaesthetic appearance, with a crosswise arrangement of layers visible on narrow surfaces of furniture panels. The objective of this investigation was to manufacture and determine physic-mechanical properties of solid and cell Longitudinally-Laminated Timber (LLT) panels. The cognitive goal of the performed experiments was to determine orthotropy, linear elasticity moduli, and bending strength of LLTs. It was also decided to ascertain swelling coefficients of composites caused by changes in air humidity. Advantageous MOE and MOR values of LLTs were determined in relation to similar solid panels. In addition, it was demonstrated that, for furniture panel designing, it was rational to employ facings from beech wood as well as cores from beech wood free from anatomical defects.