Monitoramento do tempo de prensagem e do comportamento da temperatura através da espessura de painéis LVL (Laminated veneer lumber)

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of the flow of heat (temperature) through the thickness of panels LVL (Laminated veneer lumber) produced with phenol formaldehyde adhesive, in laboratorial and industrial scales. Experimental program was conducted with five LVL panels (three produced in laboratorial scale and two in industrial scale) with different arrangements of a mix of commercial veneers from tropical pinus from the south region of Sao Paulo State, Brazil, bonded using phenol formaldehyde adhesive. The temperature inside the panels during the pressing process was evaluated using thermocouples type T (cooper-constantan), installed mostly in the center of the glue lines and connected to a data acquisition system. The graphics of temperature as a function of the time showed a gradual increase of temperature up to pre-set values, remaining constant from them. The temperature reached at the center of the panels was adequate to promote the curing of the adhesive. These pre-set values were similar to the minimum values presented by other authors and manufacturers of these adhesives that affirm that temperatures above 100ºC at the center of laminated panels bonded with phenolic adhesives are sufficient to ensure proper cure of the resin. The time necessary for curing of the adhesives confirmed the validity of practical expressions provided by adhesive manufacturers.