Glossary
a
A-Stage
An early stage in the curing of thermosetting resin when the material is still fusible and soluble in certain solvents.
Abrasion
The act of rubbing away or wearing off a surface by friction with sandpaper or a grinding wheel.
Absorbtion
The process of taking up a fluid into the body of an absorbing medium which may be either solid or liquid.
Accelerator
A material that triggers or speeds up polymerization, vulcanization or condensation reactions. It differs from a catalyst in that it becomes a part of the resultant compound and loses its chemical identity. Synonymous with “HARDENER”.
Additive
A substance to be added to a mixture or a material to impart a desired property.
Adhere
To fasten together two surfaces by adhesion.
Adherend
A body held to another body by an adhesive.
Adhesion
An adhesive holding parts together by an interlocking action.
Adhesion – Mechanical
The adhesion between surfaces held together by the interlocking action of the adhesive; the bonding of porous material with penetrant resins.
Adhesion – Specific
The adhesion between surfaces held together by chemical bonding forces.
Adhesive
A material which is adhesive, resistant and applicable as a non-sticking surface coating. Synonymous with release agent.
Adhesive – Cold Curing
An adhesive capable of curing at temperatures below 68*F.
Adhesive – Heat Curing
Adhesive capable of curing at temperatures above 212*F.
Adhesive – Intermediate Temperature Curing
Adhesive capable of curing at temperatures between 87*F. and 211*F.
Adhesive – Pressure Sensitive
An adhesive made so as to adhere to a surface at room temperature by briefly applied pressure alone.
Adhesive – Room Temperature Curing
Adhesives capable of curing at temperatures between 68*F. and 86*F.
Adhesive – Separate Application
A two-part adhesive which is used by applying one part to one adherend and one part to the other and bringing them together to form a bond.
Adhesive – Solve
An adhesive that has a volatile organic solvent as a fluid carrier.
Adhesive – Structural
A material employed to form high strength bonds in structural assemblies which may perform load bearing functions, and which may be used in extreme service conditions, e.g. high and low temperature exposures.
Adhesive – Synthetic Resin
A synthetic resin product, not limited to but including, amino-plast (urea and melamine formalcrehyde resins), resorcinol and phenolic resins.
Adhesive – Two Component
An adhesive supplied in two parts, which are mixed before application.
Adhesive Failure
Bond failure within the adhesive layer from failure in cohesion or at the interfaces due to failure in adhesion.
Adhesive Spread
The amount of adhesive applied to an adhered in terms of grams of liquid, solid adhesive per square meter or pounds per square feet of the joint area. Application to one adhered surface is called “single spread.” Double glue line refers to an adhesive spread applied to opposite faces of the same sheet of veneer. “Double spread”, often referenced in timber laminating, refers to an adhesive application to both sides.
Adsorption
The process of taking up a fluid which is then distributed over the surface of the adsorbing material, which may be either solid or liquid.
Affinity
The attraction between an adhesive and adherend.
Albumin
Blood. See Glue
Aliphatic
An organic compound whose molecules do not have their carbon atoms arranged in a ring structure pertaining to or nature of starch.
Animal Glue
See GLUE
Annual Growth Ring
The growth layer put on by a tree during a single year including Summerwood and Springwood.
Applicator
A device used to put an adhesive down in a film of the desired thickness.
Aqueous
Water based or containing water.
Aromatic
Organic compound whose molecules have the carbon atoms arranged in a ring structure.
Assembly
The collection of and placing together in proper order of the layers of veneer, lumber and/or other materials, with the adhesive, ready to be pressed and bonded into a product.
Assembly Time Closed
The time from closed contact until application of full pressure.
Assembly Time Open
Time from spreading of the first surface until mating surfaces are in contact.
Assembly Time Total
The total of open and closed assembly times, which is the time from spreading glue to the first surface to the application of full pressure.
Atomize
The reduction of a liquid to a fine spray by means of high-pressure air or, as in airless spray, by pressure alone.
Autoclave
A heavy cylindrical vessel equipped for vacuum and/or pressure application. May have auxiliary attachment for water supply and application of heat.
b
B-Stage
Intermediate phase in the reaction of thermosetting mixtures during which the material gels and is not completely fused.
Backing
The flexible supporting material for an adhesive, e.g. pressure sensitive adhesives are commonly backed with paper, plastic films, or fabrics.
Bactercide
An additive used to destroy bacteria occurring in adhesive formulations in order to prevent their attack on the adhesive.
Bag Moulding
A molding or bonding process involving the application of pressure by means of air, water, steam, or vacuum, to a flexible cover (bag) which completely encloses the material being bonded.
Bale (Bundle)
A bundle or package of freshly glued wood assemblies. May or may not be held together by clamp irons in the event the adhesive curing is accomplished at room temperature. In the latter instance, the bale is kept under pressure until after initial adhesion is accomplished.
Bark Pocket
An opening between annual growth layers that contains bark.
Bead
A narrow, half round line of adhesive.
Bead Length
The end to end measurement of the glue line used along with the bead width to calculate the amount of adhesive being applied.
Bead Width
The measurement across the glue line (see BEAD LENGTH).
Binder
The component of an adhesive which is mainly responsible for adhesive properties.
Bite
The penetration or dissolution of an adherend surface by an adhesive.
Bleed Through
The migration of an adhesive coated, touching layers, such as occurs under moderate pressure during storage.
Bleed Through
Glue or components of glue that have seeped through the outer layer or ply of a glued wood product and that shows as a blemish or discoloration on the surface.
Blemish
Anything marring the appearance of the veneer that is not classifiable as a defect.
Blister (Blow)
A spot or area where the veneer does not adhere and bulges like a blister. It may be caused by lack of glue or adhesive or inadequate pressure. In hot pressing it may be caused by a pocket of steam which often ruptures the veneer.
Block (Bolt)
A short log cut, to a length suitable for peeling in a lathe.
Blocking
Undesired adhesion between adhesive coated, touching layers that occurs under moderate pressure during storage.
Blood Glue
See GLUE, ALBUMIN.
Blushing
Formation of condensation on the surface of a contact adhesive as the solvent evaporates and its temperature is rapidly lowered.
Body
A term to describe the fluid nature of an adhesive. (see VISCOSITY)
Boil Test
Plywood shear test specimens are immersed in boiling water in conformance with the procedure stated in many standards and specifically in PS 1-46 and PS 51-71 before being broken in a shear test machine.
Bolt
A short log cut to length suitable for peeling in a lathe.
Bond
n. The attachment of an interface between an adhesive and an adherend.
v. To attach materials together by means of an adhesive.
Bond Strength
The unit load applied in tension, compression, flexure, peel, impact, cleavage, or shear, required to break an adhesive assembly with failure occurring in or near the plane of the bond. See ADHESION and BOND.
Bow
The distortion in a panel or board that deviates from flatness length-wise but not across its faces.
Bulk Density
A measurement of powdered or granular materials in terms of the weight of a unit volume such as pounds per cubic foot.
c
C-Stage
The final stage In the processing of certain thermosetting resins where the material becomes insoluble and infusible.
Casein
See GLUE.
Catalyst
A hardener for resin adhesives. A reagent that accelerates a chemical reaction, with or without heat. In the case of resinous adhesives, it accelerates setting or hardening. Usually does not take part in the reaction.
Caul
Boards, panels, or metal sheets that are used in gluing operations to provide uniform distribution of the gluing pressure; or used to prevent precure of glue by slowing up transfer of heat to plywood having thin face veneers.
Cement
Synonymous with adhesive.
Centers
Inner plies of a multi-layered product whose grain direction runs parallel to that of the outer ply.
Centipoise
One hundredth of a poise; unit of viscosity measure.
Certification
The act of certifying or attesting; a guarantee that a material meets certain specifications and so indicated by a stamp of the testing agency.
Charring
Referring to the burning of unstable Hot Melts as evidenced by dark particles in the pot, hoses and/or the glue line.
Check
A lengthwise separation of the wood, which usually extends across the annual growth rings, commonly resulting from the stresses set up in wood during seasoning.
Clamp Irons
The pressure-maintenance equipment, which includes the I beam or double channel irons, together with right and left clamp screws or turnbuckle rods, to hold bales under pressure after cold gluing.
Clipper
The shearing machine used to dimension green or dry veneers.
Closed Time
The time two adhesive coated surfaces are held together without any pressure other than their own weight.
Co-Polymer
A polymerization product of two or more different monomers.
Coalescence
Initial state of film formation in a water base system.
Coating Weight
The amount of adhesive applied over a specific area.
Cobwebbing
The formation of emergent threads of adhesive during the operation of a spray gun applicator.
Coefficient of Expansion
The ratio of the increase in length of a body for each degree rise in temperature as compared to the original length of the body. May also apply to increase of area or volume.
Cohesion
The state in which the particles of a single substance are held together by primary or secondary valence forces. As used in the adhesive field, the state in which the particles of the adhesive (or the adherend) are held together.
Cold Flow
The deformation of a material at room temperature without applied load.
Cold Pressing
A bonding operation in which an assembly is subjected to pressure without the application of heat.
Cold Resistance
The resistance to failure at low temperatures of an adhesive bond.
Cold Soak Test
Glued wood test specimens are submerged in water at room temperature and then dried in conformance with the procedure stated in a testing method before being graded or broken in a shear test machine.
Collagen
The protein derived from bone and skin used to prepare animal glue and gelatine.
Colloidal
A state of suspension and dispersion of submicron particles in a liquid medium without their dissolution in the medium.
Commercial Standard
A written trade standard developed by manufacturers, distributors, and users of an Item in cooperation with the Commodity Standards (May have been Division of the Office of Technical Services, Business and Defense superceded by Services Administration (of the Federal Government), and with the Product Standards, National Bureau of Standards (a Federal Agency). Its purpose is to described as establish quality criteria, standard methods of test, rating, Voluntary certification, and labeling of manufactured commodities, and to Standards.) provide uniform bases for fair competition.
Compression
The squeezing or pressing together of two substrates after adhesive application to achieve a useful bond.
Compression Wood
Abnormal wood formed on the lower side of branches and inclined trunks of softwood trees. Compression wood is identified by its relatively wide annual rings, unusually eccentric, relatively large amount of Summerwood, sometimes more than 50 percent of the annual rings in which it occurs, and its lack of demarcation between Springwood and Sunvierwood in the same annual rings. Compression wood shrinks excessively lengthwise as compared to normal wood.
Condensation
n. A chemical reaction In which two or more molecules combine with the separation of water or some other simple substance. If a polymer Is formed, the process is called poly condensation. See also POLYMERIZATION.
Conditioning Period
That period of time after removal of an adhesive bonded product from pressure to develop full strength.
Construction
Arrangement of veneers or lumber in the fabrication of plywood.
- ALL VENEER CONSTRUCTION – Plywood in which all plies are of veneer. Ordinarily no single-ply of veneer will exceed 1/4 inch in thickness.
- BALANCED CONSTRUCTION – A construction such that the forces induced by uniformly distributed changes in moisture content will not cause warpage. Symmetrical constructions in which the grain directions of the plies are either parallel or perpendicular to each other are balanced constructions. CONSTRUCTIONS (continued)
- LUMBER CORE CONSTRUCTION – Plywood in which the center ply core is of lumber rather than of veneer. Ordinarily cores that are 3/8-inch or greater in thickness will be of lumber.
- SYMMETRICAL CONSTRUCTION – Plywood panels in which the plies on one side of a center ply or core are essentially equal in thickness, grain direction, properties, and arrangement to those on the other side of the core.
Continuous Press
Press made up of two pinch rolls that press material as it moves between the rolls.
Core
- The center ply in a multi-layered wood product. It may be of lumber, particle board, either one piece or several pieces, edge glued together or of one or more thickness’ of veneer.
- In Plywood – Inner plies whose grain direction runs perpendicular to that of the outer plies.
- In cutting rotary veneer, the portion of the bolt remaining after available veneer has been cut, also referred to as core blocks.
Core Gaps
An opening or void extending into a panel, which occurs where the adjacent inner ply is separated at an edge joint.
Coverage
The spreading power of an adhesive over the area of adherend.
Crazing
Fine cracks that may extend in network within or beneath the surface of an adhesive layer; formation of fissures and voids in a film due to shrinkage or solvent action.
Creep
The dimensional change with time of a material under -sustained load.
Cross-Linking
The union of adjacent molecules of uncured adhesives by catalytic or curing agents
Crossbanding
The transverse veneer layers that distinguish plywood from laminated wood. Their presence counteracts the tendency of wood to split as well as to shrink and swell. In standard 5-PIY construction it is the layer between the face and the core, and between the back and core, sometimes called face crossing and back crossing respectively.
Cup
A distortion of a panel or board in which there is a deviation flatwise from a straight line across the width of the panel or board. CURE
Cure
To change the physical properties of an adhesive by chemical reaction, which may be condensation, polymerization or vulcanization; usually accomplished by the action of heat and catalyst, alone or in combination, with or without pressure.
Curing Agent
Synonymous with accelerator, hardener, and catalyst
Curtain Coater
A liquid spreading machine which deposits a controlled thickness of coating liquid on a surface passing through it.
Cycle
Any periodic repetition of a process.
Cycle Tests
A method of exposing joints to alternating wet and dry condition as a basis of determining waterproofness and durability.
d
Daylight
(Dallte) The clear vertical opening between the heated platens of a hot press, or between the head and base plates of a cold press.
Decay
The decomposition of wood by fungi.
- ADVANCED DECAY – The older stage of decay in which the destruction of the wood is readily recognized because the wood has become punky, soft and spongy, stringy or ringshaked. Discoloration or bleaching of the rotted wood is often apparent.
- INCIPIENT DECAY – Early stage of decay that has not proceeded far enough to soften or otherwise perceptibly impair the hardness of the wood. DEFECT Any irregularity occurring in or on veneer that may lower its strength.
Defect, Open
Any irregularity such as checks, splits, open joints, cracks, knot holes, or loose knots that interrupts the smooth continuity of the veneer.
Dehydrate
The loss or removal of water from a substance.
Delamination
Separation of plies; often used in reference to the durability of the glue line.
Densification
Increasing the density through compaction during pressing.
Density
The weight of a body per unit volume. When expressed in the c.g.s (centimeter-gram-second) system, it is numerically equal to the specific gravity of the same substance.
Dielectric Curing
The use of a high frequency electric field through a joint to cure a thermosetting resin.
Dilutent
An ingredient usually added to an adhesive to reduce the concentration of bonding materials.
Dimensional Stability
Characteristic of a material to retain its original dimensions when exposed to conditions conducive to cause a change, such as wood swelling when exposed to water
Dispersed
The separation of individual fine particles in a liquid, gaseous, or solid medium.
Dispersion
A suspension of a solid in a liquid.
Doctor Roll or Bar
A device for regulating the amount of liquid glue on the rollers of the spreader.
Double Spread
See GLUE SPREAD
Drier
A kiln or chamber or machine through which the green or fresh veneer sheets are passed to remove the excess moisture.
Dry Film Thickness
The measurement of adhesive thickness after drying. Used to determine coating weight or coverage per unit measurement.
Dry Out
The loss of moisture in a glue spread resulting in a poor bond.
Drying Time
The period of time during which an adhesive or an adherend or an assembly is allowed to dry with or without the application of heat, pressure, or both.
e
Eccentric Pith
The pith is said to be eccentric in a log when the center of growth (pith) and the geometric center of that log do not coincide.
Elastomer
A material which at room temperature can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice its original length and upon immediate release of the stress, will return to its approximate original length.
Emulsion
A suspension of fine particles of a liquid within another liquid which ordinarily do not dissolve in each other.
End Splits
Wedge-shaped openings in the ends of sheets of veneer caused by separation of the wood during drying, handling, or pressing.
Endothermic Reaction
A chemical reaction that requires heat energy to initiate and sustain the reaction.
Equilibrium Moisture Content
The moisture content at which lumber or other material suffers no loss or gain in moisture under the humidity and temperature conditions encountered.
Exothermic Reaction
A chemical reaction evolving heat as a by-product of the process.
Extender
An additional substance, sometimes combined in resin adhesives, to reduce costs, and usually having supplementary adhesive characteristics, such as grain flours or soluble dried blood. The term filler, in contrast, refers to relatively inert components added to the resin adhesives to control flow, provide body, or to impart some other desirable quality. Extenders are often used in high ratios, 100% or more of the resin content, while fillers seldom go beyond 25%. Increasing the extender ratio progressively reduces the durability. See FILLER.
Exterior Glue
Usually a phenolic, resorcinol, or melamine resin which, when combined with suitable fillers, extenders, and other chemicals, will produce glue bonds that will pass the appropriate standards for exterior use.
Exterior Plywood
A term frequently applied to plywood, bonded with highly resistant adhesives, that is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to severe service conditions without failure in the glue bonds.
Extractives
Substances in wood, not an integral part of the cellular structure, that can be removed by solution in hot or cold water, ether, benzene, or other solvents that do not chemically react with wood components.
Extruder
Adhesive applicator which extrudes liquid glue from orifices in the form of beads.
f
Face
The better side of a panel in any grade calling for a face and a back; also, either side of a panel where the grading rules draw no distinction between faces. The quality of the face and back determines the grade of a panel within the exterior or interior type.
Fatigue
A condition of stress from repeated flexing or impact force upon the adhesive adherend.
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
Fiber Tear
The disruption of fibers during separation of paper, textiles, or wood.
Filler
A relatively non-adhesive substance added to an adhesive to improve its working properties, permanence, strength, or other qualities. See EXTENDER.
Film
A fine, thin coating of adhesive.
Film Forming
The ability of an adhesive to form a stable continuous film.
Flitch
A longitudinal section of a log or a bundle of matched veneers.
Flow
Movement of an adhesive during the bonding process, before the adhesive is set.
Formaldehyde
An ingredient used in the formulation of phenolic, urea, and melamine resins.
FPA
Food Packages Association
Freeze-Thraw Stable
A system able to freeze and thaw without losing chemical or physical properties.
g
Gap Filling
The ability of an adhesive to fill a void within or between substrates.
Gel
A semi-solid system consisting of a network of solid aggregates in which liquid is held.
Gel Point
The stage at which a liquid begins to exhibit the properties of a gel.
Gel Time
Time required for a liquid adhesive to form a gel under specified conditions.
Gelation
The forming of a gel.
Glue
A term customarily applied to the older conventional coldsetting adhesives but now generally accepted as being synonymous with adhesive.
v. To attach materials together by means of glue. See BOND
Glue (Types)
- ALBUMIN – is now used as a plywood adhesive, is usually a special grade of dried blood. It is mixed cold and usually coagulated (set) under heat, but sometimes by chemical reagents. It is highly~ water-resistant. Blood is also used as an extender with other adhesives.
- ANIMAL GLUE – is a derivative of bone and hide waste, usually prepared by cooking. Its application is best accomplished in a warm room with temperature of glue solution at approximately 1400F. It softens under moisture exposure, and eventually becomes re-soluble.
- CASEIN GLUE – Is dried milk product, mixed cold with lime, a sodium salt and other ingredients. Its action on edge tools is abrasive, and it is weakened by soaking in water.
- LIQUID GLUE – is a prepared liquid adhesive or cement, usually sold at retail. Many types have fish by-products as their base.
- RESIN ADHESIVES – See RESIN
- SOY FLOUR – is the residue of soybean after the oil has been re- moved. It is mixed cold with caustic, lime, and other substances. It can be applied on wet veneers, but is likely to stain delicately colored face veneers. It is a vegetable protein and, like casein, is partly re-soluble in water.
- VEGETABLE GLUE – Is a starch product, usually with a cassava root flour base. It is prepared by cooking with caustic and cooled before use. It is sometimes used in the furniture and woodworking industry as it gives an excellent bond dry, but delaminates under moisture exposure
Glue Line
The area containing the adhesive between substrates.
Glue Spread
The amount of glue or adhesive spread in pounds of liquid mixture. See ADHESIVE SPREAD.
Glued Lap
The manufacturers bond in the production of cases and cartons.
Grade
The designation of the quality of a manufactured piece of wood or of logs.
Grademark
A stamp placed on a plywood panel, which contains essential information about that panel. This information usually includes species, plywood grade and type of bond, and the certification by a commercial testing agency.
Grain
The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of the fibers in wood or veneer. To have a specific meaning, the term must be qualified.
- CLOSE GRAIN – Produced by narrow and inconspicuous annual growth rings. The term Is sometimes used to designate wood having small and closely spaced pores but in this sense the term “fine textured” is more often used.
- CROSS GRAIN – A pattern in which-the fibers and other longitudinal elements deviate from a line parallel to the sides of the piece. Applies to either diagonal or spiral grain or a combination of the two.
- OPEN GRAIN – Common classification for woods with large pores such as oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut. Also known as “coarse textured.”
Green Strength
The strength of a joint on assembly with an unset adhesive.
h
Hardener
A substance or mixture of substances added to an adhesive to promote or control the curing reaction by taking part in it. The term is also used to designate a substance added to control the degree of hardness of the cured film. See CATALYST.
Hardwood
Generally one of the botanical groups of trees referred to as deciduous which have broad leaves and lose them In the winter In contrast to conifers. The term has no reference to the actual hardness of the wood.
Heartwood
The wood extending from the pith to the sapwood, the cells of which no longer participate in the life of the tree. Heartwood may be infiltrated with gums, resins, and other materials that usually make it darker and more decay resistant than sapwood.
Heat Resistance
The resistance to failure at high temperatures of an adhesive bond.
High Frequency Heating
Synonymous with dielectric curing.
Hold Out
The amount of adhesive that remains (if not absorbed) on the surface of the substrate prior to and during the bond process.
Hot Melt
A 100% solids adhesive requiring heat to raise the temperature of the adhesive to a workable viscosity.
Hot Pickup
A hot melt adhesive used in can and jar labeling only, providing temporary adhesion to facilitate the pick up of the leading end of a label and holding it in place on the substrate until the lap paste can bond the wrap around label to itself.
Hot Pressing
Manufacture of glued wood product under pressure and elevated temperature in a hot pres’s.
Hot Stacking
The stacking of plywood panels Immediately after removal from the hot press, so that the residual heat in the panels may further cure the adhesive.
Humidity – Relative
Pounds of water vapor per pound of dry air.
Hydroscopic
The ability of materials to readily absorb and retain moisture from the atmosphere.
i
Inhibitor
A material which retards a chemical reaction. Inhibitors are used to extend the shelf life and pot life of certain adhesives.
Interface
The contact area between adherend and adhesive surfaces.
Interior Glue
Usually of vegetable or animal-protein, starch, urea, or phenolic resin which, when combined with suitable fillers, extenders, and other chemicals, will produce glue bonds that have high dry strength, low to high wet strength, low to moderate durability under damp conditions, and low to high resistance to temperature in excess of 150-F.
Interior Plywood
A term frequently applied to plywood bonded with adhesives that maintain adequate bonds under conditions usually existing in the Interior of buildings in the United States.
j
Joint
The junction of two adjacent pieces of wood or veneer.
- BUTT JOINT – The place where two pieces of wood are joined together end to end.
- EDGE JOINT – The place where two pieces of wood are joined together edge to edge.
- GLUE JOINT – The place where two pieces of wood are joined together by means of glue.
- OPEN JOINT – Failure of bond or separation of two adjacent pieces of veneer so as to have an opening, usually applied to edge joints between veneers.
- STARVED JOINT – A glue joint which is poorly bonded because of an insufficient quantity of glue. Starved joints are caused by the use of short assembly time, excessive pressure, or insufficient viscosity of the glue, or a combination of these, which results in the glue being forced out from between the surfaces to be joined.
- SUNKEN JOINT – In the case of plywood, a depression in the surface of the face ply directly above an edge joint in a lumber core or crossband. Also may show directly in glue joint of edge glued panels having no face veneers. Usually the result of a shrinkage in the glue jointed layer.
k
Knot
That portion of a branch or limb which has been surrounded to subsequent growth of the wood of the trunk or other portion of the tree.
- DECAYED KNOT – A knot that, due to advanced decay, is softer than the surrounding wood.
- ENCASED KNOT – A knot whose rings of annual growth are not intergrown with those of the surrounding wood.
- LARGE KNOT – A knot more than 1-1/2 inches in diameter.
- LOOSE KNOT – A knot that is not held firmly in place by growth or position and that cannot be relied upon to remain in place.
- MEDIUM KNOT – A knot more than 3/4 inch but not more than 1-1/2 inches in diameter.
- PIN KNOT – A knot that is not more than 1/2 inch in diameter.
- SMALL KNOT – A knot more than 1/2 inch but not more than 3/4 inch in diameter.
- SOUND KNOT – A knot that is solid across its face, at least as hard as the surrounding wood, and shows no indication of decay.
Knot by Cluster
Three or more knots in a compact, roughly circular group, with the grain between them highly contorted, originating from adventitious buds.
Knotholes
Voids produced by the dropping of knots from the wood in which they are originally embedded.
l
Laminate
Two or more layers of material bonded together.
Laminated Wood
Describes an assembly of wood layers in which the wood grain or the fibers of the adjacent layers are parallel. Contrasted with plywood (q.v.) which is characterized by cross layers or crossings usually alternated with the parallel face, core, and back layers.
Lap
A condition where the veneers are so misplaced that one piece overlaps the other rather than making a smooth butt joint.
Lap Paste
An adhesive specifically designed for use in gluing together the lap or wrap around labels.
Lathe
The machine on which rotary and half round veneer is cut.
Lay-Up
The operation of assembling the various layers of veneer or lumber cores after the glue or adhesive has been applied or inserted, and before pressing.
Loose Side
Refer to TIGHT SIDE.
m
Mastic
A highly viscous adhesive material applied by trowel to give thick glue lines with gap sealing properties.
Mil
0.001 inch (one thousandth of an inch)
Mixer, Glue
An open drumlike vessel with a tapering bottom, provided with revolving blades to stir the mixture. There are two types with single or double blades on a vertical shaft; and semicircular bars on a horizontal shaft, turning inside of each other.
Modifier
Any ingredient added to an adhesive formulation that changes its properties.
Modulus of Elasticity
The ratio of unit stress to unit deformation of a material.
Modulus of Rupture
The measure of the load necessary to break a material.
Moisture Content
The amount of water contained in the wood, usually expressed as a percentage of the weight of the oven dry wood.
Moisture Meter
An instrument for measuring the moisture content of wood.
Monomer
A relatively simple compound which can react to form a polymer.
Mucilage
An adhesive prepared from a gum and water.
n
Nail Holding
A measure of the ability of a product to resist the withdrawal of a nail driven into it.
o
Open Time
The time interval between applying the adhesive and joining the substrates together.
Oven Dry Wood
Wood dried to a constant weight in an oven at or above the temperature of boiling water (usually IOI*C. to 1950C. or 2140F. to 2210F.).
Overlays
One or more sheets of paper impregnated with resin or high-density plastic and used as a face material usually for plywood, but sometimes for lumber or other products. The paper-plastic materials, when properly molded to the surface of the plywood, form an integrated part of the panel and cannot be peeled off. Overlays can be classified as masking, decorative, or structural depending on their purpose.
p
Panel
A sheet of manufactured wood product, usually in a standard size such as 41 x 81, in thickness from 1/8″ to 411 or can be thicker to a panel can be a smaller or larger sheet. A panel can be milled or set into a frame such as a door.
Paste
A high viscosity adhesive composition having a high yield value and usually prepared from starch and water.
Patches
Insertions of sound wood, placed and glued into veneer or plywood panels, from which defective portions have been removed.
- BOAT PATCHES
– Shall be oval-shaped but sides shall taper each direction to a point or a small rounded end; in a face the rounded ends shall have a radius not exceeding 1/8 inch. - ROUTER PATCHES – Shall have parallel sides and rounded ends.
- SLED PATCHES – Shall be rectangular with feathered ends.
Peeler
The trade name of a log, selected and suitable for cutting into rotary veneer. Applies particularly to softwood.
Penetration
The entering of an adhesive into an adherend.
Permanence
The resistance of an adhesive joint to deterioration.
pH
A measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 1 to 14 with 7 being neutral.
Pick Up Roll
A device for picking up adhesive from a reservoir and transferring it to a spreading mechanism.
Pitch
The small, soft core occurring-in the structural center of a tree, trunk, branch, twig, or log.
Pitch Pocket
An opening extending parallel to the annual growth rings usually containing pitch.
Pitch Streak
A well-defined accumulation of pitch in a more or less regular streak.
Platens
The pressure bearing plates of the hot or cold press which exert or receive pressure. Usually of rolled steel, and in the case with heat platens drilled holes in-intersecting ridiron patterns, for steam distribution.
Plug
Soundwood of various shapes including, among others, circular, dog bone, and leaf shapes, for replacing defective portions of veneers. Plugs usually are held in veneer by friction only.
Plugged
The removal of a defect from a wood product and the replacement of it with sound wood or filler to upgrade the product.
Ply
A sheet or layer of veneer.
Plywood
An assembled product, made of layers of veneer and/or lumber and adhesive, the chief characteristic of which is the alternate cross, layers, distributing the longitudinal wood strength. This product cannot be split and shrinkage and swelling, under the influence of moisture, is reduced to a minimum.
Polymer
Larger molecules formed by the linking of simple monomer molecules through chemical reaction.
Polymerization
This process builds up the molecular size by adding together molecules of the resin. In general, thermosetting resins, used as plywood adhesives, cure by a combination of both condensation and polymerization. Frequently called the cure of the resin.
Porosity
The density of an adherend surface; the property of adhesive absorption by the adherend surface.
Post Cure
Additional curing out of the bond in the stack after heat pressing.
Pot
The reservoir or holding area for adhesives within or attached to adhesive applicating equipment.
Pot Life – Working Life
The period of time during which an adhesive, after mixing with catalyst, solvent, or other compounding ingredients, remains suitable for use.
Precure
The setting of an adhesive, In an assembly, before sufficient pressure for proper bonding Is applied to that assembly.
Prepress
A hydraulic, single opening, cold press designed to compact a press load of plywood panel assemblies prior to hot pressing to permit easy loading of the panels into the hot press.
Preservative
An agent added to a product to keep the finished product free from decay, injury, or destruction.
Press – Hot
A multi-platen hydraulic press, with plates or platens, heated by steam, for thermosetting resin adhesives. May be equipped with water connections to provide for circulating cooling water in the steam areas.
Press – Screw
A simple form of press in which the manual or mechanical turning of a screw or of a nut exerts the specific pressure required to bond layers of veneer and lumber into plywood or laminated wood. Used only for cold pressing. Regulation of pressure is difficult.
Press Time
The time which the assembly to be bonded remains under the full press pressure necessary for bonding.
Press-Cold
A hydraulic or screw press in which the glued members are forced together. The pressure is maintained, after removal from the press, by clamping the bale or bundle of glued members between head-blocks, with clamp irons and turnbuckle rods.
Pressing Tolerance
The difference between the net finished panel thickness and the additional caliper allowed in pressing to compensate for unevenness of the press platens or cauls.
Primer
An adherend surface coating applied before the adhesive to improve bond performance.
Pyrometer
An instrument used to measure glue line temperature.
r
Range
The time period for which the adhesive has useful tack.
Rate of Growth
The rate at which a tree has laid on wood, measured radially in the trunk or in wood cut from the trunk. The unit of measure in use is number of annual growth rings per inch.
Release Agent
An adhesive material which prevents bond formation.
Repair
Any patch, plug, or shim in a plywood panel.
Resin
A material made synthetically, which is the basis for products called the plastics. Certain resins can be used to adhere pieces of wood, and these are called resin adhesives, or “resin glues. These adhesives are of relatively recent development and are much more durable than the older types of conventional glues.
- MELAMINE RESINS – A colorless crystalline substance derived from dicyandiamide when joined with formaldehyde forms a resin suitable for coatings, adhesives, and castings.
- PHENOLIC RESIN ADHESIVES – Are made from chemicals of the phenol group and formaldehyde, in general harden in the presence of heat, and are the most durable. They are available in liquid, powder, and film form. Special types, mixed with suitable accelerators, harden at moderate temperatures.
- RESORCINOL RESINS – Are a type of phenolic resin.
- UREA RESIN ADHESIVES – Are made from urea and formaldehyde, harden when heated and in the presence of certain chemicals (catalysts ort – hardeners); this hardening can be rapid and at moderate temperature.
Rheology
The study of deformation and flow behavior of material under stress.
Roll Coater
Equipment for the mechanical application of adhesives to flexible materials.
Rotary Cut
A manner of cutting veneer, by which the entire log or block is mounted in a lathe and turned against a broad cutting knife, which is inclined into the log at a slight angle. The veneer is cut in a continuous sheet, from the circumference of the block, somewhat as paper unwound from a roll.
s
Sagging
Run or flow off of adhesive from an adherend surface due to application of excess or low viscosity material.
Sapwood
The living wood of pale color near the outside of the log. Under most conditions the sapwood Is more susceptible to decay than heartwood.
Sealant
A gap-filling material to prevent excessive absorption of adhesive or penetration of liquid or gaseous substances.
Self-Adhesive
A material which bonds to itself.
Setting
More commonly applied to the hardening of a cold pressed glue. It is brought about either by gelation, by evaporation of the solvent, by chemical polymerization, or by a combination of these factors, with or without heat. It is less generally applied to hot pressed resin adhesives.
Setting Speed
The time required by an adhesive to convert into a fixed or hardened state.
Setting Time
The period of time during which an assembly is subjected to heat or pressure, or both, to set the adhesive.
Shear Strength
The breaking resistance of a specimen when prepared and broken in tension or compression In accordance with a standard test method. This value in pounds is usually expressed as psi.
Sheet
A single ply or layer of veneer.
Shelf Life
Synonymous with storage life. The period of time during which a packaged adhesive can be stored under specified temperature conditions and remain suitable for use.
Shim
A long, narrow repair not more than 3/16 inch wide.
Shop Grade
Panels which have been rejected as not conforming to grade requirements of standard grades in the Product or Commercial Standards.
Skin
The dry film layer that occasionally forms on emulsion or solvent type adhesives.
Sliced
A manner of cutting veneer, by which logs or sawn flitches are held securely against a table in a slicing machine. The table is moved down, and at an angle, across a sturdy knife, which shears off the veneer in sheets.
Slip
The ability of an adhesive to accommodate adherend movement or repositioning after application to adherend surfaces.
Softening Point
The temperature at which an adhesive commences to flow or soften.
Softwood
Generally, one of the botanical groups of trees that in most cases have needlelike or scalelike leaves; the conifers; also the wood produced by such trees. Generally, they do not lose their leaves In the winter. The term has no reference to the actual hardness of the wood.
Solid Core
The inner ply construction consists of a single uniform material without voids or defects.
Solids Content
The percentage by weight of the nonvolatile matter in an adhesive.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture formed by the dispersion of one or more liquids, gases or solids substances in another, usually a liquid.
Solvent
The liquid in which a glue or adhesive is dispersed.
Soybean Meal
See GLUE.
Specific Gravity
The ratio of the weight of a body to the weight of an equal volume of water at 40C., or other specified temperature.
Splicer
A machine used for joining sheets of veneer together edge to edge.
Split
Complete separation of veneer fibers parallel to grain, caused chiefly by manufacturing process or handling.
Spreader
A tool or machine designed to lay out, cover with a layer, or coat a surface to be glued with an adhesive.
Springwood
The portion of the annual growth ring that is formed during the early part of the seasons growth. It is usually less dense and weaker mechanically than the summerwood.
Squeeze Out
The bead of glue squeezed out at the edge or end of a glue joint when pressure is applied.
Stain
A discoloration in wood that may be caused by such diverse agencies as micro-organisms, metal, or chemicals. The term also applies to materials used to impart color to wood.
Stock
Referring to the paper substrate often found in packaging applications.
Stops
Pieces of metal used to hold the platens of a press apart at a desired thickness.
Storage Life
The period of time during which a packaged adhesive can be stored under specified temperature conditions and remain suitable for use. Sometimes called shelf life.
Strength
The term in its broader sense embraces collectively all the proper ties of wood that enable it to resist different forces or loads. In its more restrictive sense, strength may apply to any one of the mechanical properties, in which event the name of the property under consideration should be stated, thus; strength in compression parallel to grain, strength in bending, hardness, and similar properties.
Stress
The force per unit area resulting from an applied load. Also the amount of force which can be applied to an adhesive bond.
Stringing
The forming of filaments or threads of adhesives when the substrates are separated (also known as Webbing).
Substrate
Synonymous with adherend. A material on which an adhesive is spread for the purpose of bonding.
Sustained Test load
A test for the assessment of adhesive performance when placed under stress for an extended period
Symmetrical Construction
Plywood panels in which the plies on one side of a center ply or core are essentially equal in thickness, grain direction, properties, and arrangements to those on the other side of the core.
Syneresis
The exudation of liquid by gels upon standing.
t
Tape
The strip of gummed paper or cloth used to hold the edges together at the joint, previous to gluing.
Tapeless Splicer
A machine used for gluing sheets of veneer together, edge to edge, without the use of gummed tape.
Telegraphing
The visible transmissions of faults, imperfections, and patterned striations occurring in an inner layer of a laminate structure.
Temperature – Curing
The temperature to which an adhesive or an assembly is subjected to cure the adhesive.
Temperature – Setting
The temperature to which an adhesive or an assembly is subjected to set the adhesive.
Testing Agency
A commercial organization set up for the purpose of certifying, through an organized testing program, that products manufactured in a particular plant meet the requirements set forth In the appropriate standard. Testing agencies for plywood include such organizations as: The American Plywood Association (APA), Timber Engineering Company (TECO), Product Fabrication Service (PFS) Pittsburgh Testing Laboratories, and the General Testing and Inspection Agency, Inc.
Tests Accelerated
The testing of materials by exposure to intensified simulation of service conditions, e.g. weathering, radiation.
Tests Destructive
Tests involving the destruction of assemblies in order to evaluate the maximum performance of the adhesive bond.
Tests On-Destructive
Inspection tests for the evaluation of bond quality without damaging the assembly, e.g. ultrasonics, visual inspection.
Texture
A term often used interchangeably with grain. Sometimes used to combine the concepts of density and degree of contrast between springwood and summerwood.
Thermoplastic
A glue or resin having the property of softening or fusing when heated and of hardening again when cooled.
Thermosetting Glues & Resins
Glues and resins that are cured by heat but do not soften when subjected to high temperatures.
Thinner
A liquid added to an adhesive to modify the consistency or other properties.
Thixotropic
Referring to a liquid whose viscosity is lowered under agitation and which returns to the original viscosity upon rest.
Tight Side
This term, and its opposite, loose side, are used to refer to veneer cut with a knife. A wedge-shaped or beveled knife is used, and the veneer comes out curved away from the knife, thus producing small ruptures on the concave side, known as the loose side. The opposite surface, slightly in compression, but free from any ruptures, is known as the tight side.
Torn Grain
A marked leafing or separation on veneer surface between spring and summerwood.
Toxicity
The effectiveness of a poisonous material relating to its concentration.
Track
The property of an adhesive that enables it to form a bond of measurable strength immediately after adhesive and adherend are brought into contact under low pressure.
Twist
A distortion caused by the turning or winding of a panel or board so that the four corners of any face are no longer in the same plane.
v
Veneer
A thin sheet or layer of wood, sliced, rotary-cut, half round, or sawed from a log, block, or flitch. Veneer is the raw material, from which plywood and laminated wood are assembled. Thickness may vary from 1/100 to 1/4 inch, and are seldom thicker.
Veneer Grade
A measure of veneer quality based on freedom from defects, as set forth in the Commercial and Product Standards.
Viscometer
An instrument that measures the viscosity of a liquid.
Viscosity
The internal frictional resistance of an adhesive to flow when that resistance is directly proportional to the applied force. (Measure of consistency)
Volatile
Used to describe a substance that evaporates readily.
VP Test
Abbreviation for vacuum pressure test. Test specimens are submerged in water in a pressure vessel. Vacuum and pressure are then applied alternately before the specimens are removed for further testing.
w
Warp
Any variation from a true or plane surface. Warp includes bow cup, and twist, or any combination thereof.
Water Resistant
A term frequently applied to plywood, bonded with moderately resistant adhesives, which is capable of withstanding limited exposure to water or to severe conditions without failure in the glue bonds.
Waterproof
As applied to plywood, the term is synonymous with EXTERIOR; that is, plywood, bonded with highly resistant adhesives, which is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to severe service conditions without failure in the glue bonds.
Weathering
The mechanical or chemical disintegration and discoloration of the surface of wood that is caused by exposure to light, the action of dust and sand carried by winds, and the alternate shrinking and swelling of the surface fibers with the continual variation in moisture content brought by changes in the weather. Weathering does not include decay.
Wet Film Thickness
The thickness or depth of a film of adhesive before drying. Use in conjunction with the surface area covered to calculate adhesive usage.
Wet Tack
The stickiness of an adhesive before drying.
Wicking
The absorption of adhesive by the capillary action of the substrate(s).
Wood Failure
The rupturing of wood fibers in strength tests on bonded specimens, usually expressed as the percentage of the total area involved which shows failure.
Working Life
(Of Resin Adhesives) The period during which mixtures of resin adhesive remain suitable for spreading before hardening in the receptacle, or commencing to jell appreciably.
y
Yield Valve
The stress at which marked increase in deformation occurs without an increase in load.
z
Zippery Bond
A peelable bond characterized by brittle failure to one or alternate surfaces of the lamination being tested.