Estimation of heat sterilization time of Chinese laminae species used in the production of glue-laminated board

This study explored the effects of heating temperature and laminae thicknesses on the time required to heat the center of air-dried Paulownia tomentosa, Pinus sp., Abies sp., and Larix sp. laminae to 56, which is a minimum core temperature of wood packaging materials defined by ISPM 15 standard, and maintain for 30 minutes in dry heat treatment schedule. Heating times were different among wood species and were Pinus sp. ≥ Abies sp. > Paulownia tomentosa > Larix sp. in decreasing order. The differences in heating times of some species were significantly different statistically, but were not different enough in practical terms to warrant heating four species separately. Heating times decreased as heating temperature increased and followed approximately power-function relationship. Also, heating times increased linearly with increasing laminae thickness. These relationships make it possible to calculate intermediate heating times relative to experimentally observed heating times. The results of this study will serve as a guideline for heat sterilization of Chinese laminae species to meet heat treatment requirements for protection against invasive pests.