SEM and UV-microscopic investigation of glue lines in Parallam® PSL

Glue lines in a piece of Parallam((R)) PSL were investigated using scanning electron- and UV-microscopy. In the SEM it was found that resin penetrates predominantly through cut open tracheids and rays. Bordered pits block the flow of resin from cell to cell whereas simple pits are only a minor obstacle. UV-absorbance spectra of cells from the glue line area indicated the presence of phenol-formaldehyde resin in the wood cell wall. Compared to the pattern of absorbance of pure cell wall substance, spectra of cells embedded in the glue showed significant differences which were attributed to the penetration of phenol-formaldehyde resin during the process of gluing.