THE EFFECT OF WEATHERING ON SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF CHEMICALLY MODIFIED SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS) WOOD

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood of 200 × 20 × 80 mm3 (L×R×T) was treated with both cell wall filling and lumen filling chemical agents (low-molecular phenol-formaldehyde, bio-oil, N-methylol/N-methyl compounds, sorbitol-citric acid, polysiloxane), which were fixed inside the wooden structure during heat-curing processes. The present study investigated the impact of the appointed chemical modifications on the surface characteristics of wood, which was addressed by measurements of the surface roughness (Ra), surface free energy (SFE), contact angles, wettability and its bonding quality. Independent of the chemical agents applied, Ra decreased as result of the chemical treatments, while SFE experienced a reduction. The Ra and SFE of both untreated and modified pine specimens increased after weathering processes. The weathering was appointed to cause a decrease in the equilibrium contact angle (θe) and an increase in the constant contact angle change rate (K-value). Increasing K-values after weathering for both untreated and modified pine specimens indicated their better wettability. Increasing wettability after weathering led to better adherence of acrylic paints on the surface of the Scots pine wood. In summary, the chemical modifications decreased the Ra and SFE of the pine sapwood, which may as a consequence affect the wettability and bonding quality of wood during outdoor exposure

Effect of Anatomical Structure on Dimensional Stability of Low Molecular Weight Phenol-Formaldehyde Impregnated Wood

This research deals with low molecular weight-phenol formaldehyde (LMW–PF) impregnation on sepetir (Sindora spp), nyatoh (Palaquium spp.), and pisang putih (Mezzettia spp.) woods to determine the effect of different anatomical structure on weight percent gain and dimensional stability improvement. The wood samples were impregnated using LMW–PF solutions with 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11% of concentrations (w/w), vacuum-pressured (–98 kPa, 15 min, 350 kPa, 4 h), and re-immersed in 80°C for 3 h. According to the findings, LMW–PF impregnation reduced coefficient of swelling by 9.64–29.95%, and increased anti-swelling efficiency by 12.24–29.91%. Additionally, the water absorption and thickness swelling reduced by 2.43–38.75% and 15.94–34.21%, respectively, indicating the improvement of dimensional stability. Microscopy and NIR analysis revealed the presence and reaction of LMW–PF within porous wood matrix. The effect of diverse anatomical structures caused complexity on LMW–PF impregnation. Sepetir-treated wood with fewer anatomical barriers resulted in better dimensional stability improvement than others.

Selected properties of compregnated wood using low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde and succinic anhydride

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of impregnating materials (low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde or LmwPF and succinic anhydride or SA), their concentrations (5 and 10%), and compression ratios (20 and 40% from initial thickness) on improvement of specific gravity (SG) and dimensional stability on nyatoh, sepetir, and pisang putih wood; and then compared them to control and densified wood. The results showed that SG and dimensional stability of compregnated wood were affected by all parameters studied. Higher compression ratio and concentration will result in a greater improvement. In general, SG and dimensional stability of compregnated wood were better than the control. SG of LmwPF- and SA-compregnated wood increased by 10.69‒22.31% and 6.96‒23.09%, respectively. Utilization of LmwPF and SA has significantly reduced the spring-back, but the latter is better. The compression-set recovery after compregnation was 18.34‒33.99%, while after densification was 47.86‒71.49%.

Performance of coated tungsten carbide in milling composite boards

The purpose of this research was to analyze the performance (wear resistance, surface roughness, chip formation, and noise level) of AlCrN, TiN, and TiAlN coated tungsten carbides in cutting composite boards. The composite boards of wood plastic composite, laminated veneer lumber, and oriented strand board were cut by the coated tungsten carbide tools in a computer numerical control router. The results show that the differences in structure among the composite boards resulted in the difference in clearance wear, chip formation, surface roughness, and noise level phenomenon. The abrasive materials in wood plastic composite generated the highest clearance wear on the coated carbide tools tested. TiAlN coated carbide tool provided better wear resistance, smoother composite boards surfaces, and lower noise levels.

The chips generated during up milling and down milling of pine wood by helical router-bits

Development of new helical edge router bits (helix angle 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°) with a cutting circle diameter of 8 mm was studied. The purpose of the research work was to investigate chips formation and surface roughness characteristics in milling the pine wood by the straight and helical edge bits. The generated chips were classified in four types by sieving into spiral chip (5 mesh), flow chip (10 mesh), thin chip (30 mesh), and granule chip (< 30 mesh). The experimental results showed that the spiral chip was generated most often (on a weight percentage basis) by the bits during down milling process. More flow and thin chips were produced by the bits during up milling process. Better surface roughness was produced by bits during down milling compared to up milling. When the helix angle of the bits increased the amount of spiral and flow chips were increased and granule chip was reduced. The machined surface was better in roughness (lower Ra values) as the helix angle of the bits increased both in up milling and down milling processes.