What’s New At the Forest Products Laboratory in the Field of Wood, Paper, Resin Combinations?

Report on a panel discussion between U.S. Forest Products Laboratory scientists and FPRS members attending the 1953 Midwest Section Meeting on the subject of potential new products in the field of wood, paper, and resin combinations. The discussion began with a short talk on properties of paper which make it suitable as a component in products made in combination with wood and resin. Also discussed was the use of paper in making overlays for surface treatment of wood and plywood, and in the production of plastic laminates used on a wood base for tables and counter tops, and FPL research on overlaid veneer and resin impregnation of paper. Early FPL work in the 1940’s on developing resin impregnated paper materials called “papreg,” was reviewed. This product when combined with veneer resulted in exceedingly high strength products. Since then research was broadened to include various properties of a wide variety of paper overlaid veneer and plywood products, many of which are commercially available. Current research on the economic and technological feasibility of paper overlaid lumber was discussed including potential uses such as siding, interior cabinet work, sheathing and crating. Research on particleboard was reviewed. Studies have been conducted on the effect of particle geometry (size and shape), resin content, chip moisture, overlaying and processing variables on the mechanical and physical properties of particleboard. In the area of the utilization of paper overlaid wood products for packaging, research was discussed on the suitability of paper-overlaid veneers in making conventional cleated-panel boxes as well as containers of special design. Uses of overlaid products was also covered. Paper overlaid plywood tiles used for flooring has maintained a smooth lustrous surface free of scratches and scuff marks for a period of 7 years. Use of a honeycomb sandwich panel with paper overlaid veneer faces for ventilated siding appears promising. Such siding is designed to permit water vapor to escape from within house walls, which could help eliminate condensation problems.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member