Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) from Hungarian Underutilized Hardwood Species

This study evaluated the potential of two abundant but underutilized hardwood resources in Hungary—Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) and grey poplar (Populus canescens)—for laminated veneer lumber (LVL) production. The widely used hybrid poplar (Populus × euramericana cv. I-214) was included as a reference. LVL panels were manufactured using rotary-cut veneers bonded with melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) and phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesives. Mechanical performance was assessed through bending strength (MOR), apparent modulus of elasticity (MOEapp), internal bond strength (IB), and density. Turkey oak exhibited high mechanical performance, with group mean MOR values ranging from 114.70 to 149.73 MPa and MOEapp values from 12.68 to 14.63 GPa, while PF-bonded panels generally showed improved mechanical and bonding performance. Grey poplar LVLs achieved group mean MOR values of 64.29–80.68 MPa and MOEapp values of 7.14–8.17 GPa. Hybrid poplar LVLs achieved group mean MOR values of 62.56–68.91 MPa and MOEapp values of 6.66–8.25 GPa. Group mean internal bond strength ranged from 0.59 to 1.02 MPa for poplar-based LVLs and from 1.21 to 1.94 MPa for Turkey oak LVLs. The findings provide preliminary evidence of the potential of Turkey oak and grey poplar for LVL production and provide a basis for further investigation.