Abstract: A composite wood panel of improved edge swell characteristics is provided by applying stabilizing additive to the exposed surface of a layup of wood particles (wafers) from which the panel is to be formed by consolidation as the layup is being produced. The additive is applied only in selected areas one adjacent each side edge of the layup so that the resultant product has in effect stabilizing additive through the thickness of the resultant panel at each side edge. Preferably the additive will be applied as stripes at spaced depths through the layup and these stripes will extend inwardly from each side edge a distance sufficient to stabilize the panel against edge swelling. The preferred additive is an isocyanate type resin adhesive.

Abstract: A composite wood product, such as waferboard, is treated during manufacture with preservative chemicals to improve resistance to decay and insect organisms. The process avoids having to treat a finished product and is not limited to only surface protection. Molten slack wax is first applied to wood particles having a moisture content not greater than about 10%, the wax coated wood particles are then sprayed with an ammoniacal copper arsenate solution having a concentration of at least about 11% followed by blending with adhesive resin and forming a composite wood product.

Abstract: An apparatus for laying a mat of wood strands, particularly long strands, in the process of producing a composite product such as waferboard is disclosed. In the past it has not been possible to lay long wafers in an oriented mat except by hand. The present invention provides a means for forming a pile of wood strands of substantially uniform depth, a plurality of spike rolls located at one side of the pile of wood strands to pull the wood strands out of the pile and form a uniform curtain of falling strands and a conveyor to force the pile of wood strands against the spike rolls. Beneath the spike rolls are a pair of counter-rotating spreader rolls spaced apart to receive the curtain of strands and having spikes to distribute the strands in an even mat beneath. A horizontal adjustment is provided to position the spreader rolls beneath the curtain and vary the distance between the rolls.