Use of Brazilian eucalyptus to produce LVL panels

Brazil stands out on the international eucalyptus pulp market, with large areas planted with this species, approximately 3,000,000 ha, mainly to supply the demands ofthis industrial sector. Several species are perfectly adapted to the country's environmental and climatic conditions, constituting a raw material with excellent silvicultural productivity, with trees reaching diameters of up to 30 cm at the base in a period of 8 years. Recent research has evaluated the diversification ofthe final use ofthis wood with the idea of obtaining other products from it, such as sawn planks and panels. The purpose ofthis study is to evaluate the potential ofthis raw material in the production of LVL panels, to characterize eucalyptus-based LVL, and to spark the interest of Brazilian companies (particularly plywood manufacturers) in this product, which is still nonexistent in Brazil's domestic market. LVL panels of structural dimensions were built in the laboratory using 3-mm-thick sheets. The panels were evaluated through static flexure tests, showing satisfactory results compared to technical information on LVL panels made of other raw materials and sold on the international market. Eucalyptus showed good potential for the manufacture of panels.