Strand-based structural composite lumber and manufacturing thereof based on steam injection

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing strand-based structural composite lumber, SCL. The method comprises the following. Wood by-products of a laminated veneer lumber, LVL, or plywood manufacturing process are obtained. The wood by-products comprise one or more different types of wood by-products obtained from one or more different stages of the LVL or plywood manufacturing process. Wood strands are formed using one or more stranding processes for producing wood strands of different dimensions. The wood strands are dried such that moisture content for the wood strands is within a pre-defined range. The adhesive is applied to the wood strands. The wood strands are arranged into layers to form a strand mat. Pressurized and saturated or overheated steam is injected into the strand mat for softening the wood strands. The strand mat is hot-pressed to form a strand-based SCL board.