WOOD RESEARCH Volume 67, Number 6, 2022
Aokai Cheng, Dengyun Tu, Zhipeng Zhu, Qiaofang Zhou, Wei Wei, Chuanshuang Hu, and Xianghao Liu

Study on machining properties and surface coating properties of heat treated densified poplar wood

In this study, a modification combining densification and heat treatment of poplar wood (Populus tomentosa Carr.) was carried out, and the machining properties of the unmodified poplar wood (control) and the heat treated densified wood (HTD) were tested and evaluated. In addition, the water-based UV paint was covered on the control and HTD respectively, and the surface coating properties of them were evaluated. The results showed that: (1) The machining properties of poplar wood were improved after the heat treatmentdensification modification. The score of comprehensive machining properties of the HTD was 45 (excellent grade), while the score of the control was 36 (good grade). (2) The abrasion resistance, hydrophobicity and adhesion were improved after heat treatment-densification modification. Therefore, the modification combining densification and heat treatment played a significant role in enhancing the value of wood.

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 66, Number 1, 2021
Zhipeng Zhu, Dengyun Tu, Ziwei Chen, Chuanfu Chen, and Qiangfang Zhou

Effect of hot pressing modification on surface properties of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis)

This research aims to investigate the effect of thermal modification by hot pressing on surface characteristics of rubberwood. For this purpose, rubberwood specimens were thermally modified by hot pressing in an open system at three different temperatures (170, 185, and 200°C) for two different durations (1.5 or 3 h). Based on the results, the values of chromatic aberration (ΔE), contact angle and glossiness increased, and roughness decreased with increasing temperature and enlarging duration further. Although the contact angle had increased, it was still less than 90°. This aesthetic surface of rubberwood could be retained by using transparent organic coatings. The thermally modified rubberwood with excellent performance could be used as a material for solid wood flooring, wallboard, and furniture applications.