Novel engineered scrimber with outstanding dimensional stability from finely fluffed poplar veneers

The aim of this study is to prepare a novel wood engineered scrimber with outstanding dimensional stability as well as excellent mechanical properties. A novel technique was exploited for preparation of thick finely fluffed poplar veneers (FFPVs). The physical properties of the veneers before and after fluffing process were compared, and the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the resultant scrimber were also investigated. The results showed that there was a fivefold increase in water absorption rate (WAR) for FFPVs. Correspondingly, compared with traditional scrimber from the veneers without fluffing, the novel scrimber (Nscrimber) from FFPVs had a slight decline in mechanical strength. However, its dimensional stability was significantly improved, where the thickness swelling rate (TSR) decreased by approximate 74%.