Study of improvement of bonding properties of Larch glued laminated timber

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the adhesion of Larch wood, by conducting a study of hydrogen peroxide treatment on Larch wood surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Effect of surface treatment of Larch by H₂O₂ on the adhesion of Larch wood, as indicated by compression shear strength, was examined in this paper. Surface properties of Larch wood, such as contact angle were evaluated. Shear strength tests for measuring adhesion of Larch blocks were conducted. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was employed to examine the chemical functionality of the untreated and treated Larch surface.

Findings

It is found that hydrogen peroxide treatment improved the adhesion of Larch glued laminated timber. The dry compression shear strength of Larch glued laminated timber treated with H₂O₂ solution is increased by 19.7 per cent compared with the untreated Larch glued laminated timber. FTIR results showed that the intensity of absorption band at 1,730 cm⁻¹ for H₂O₂ solution‐treated Larch increased as compared with the untreated Larch wood. The results of contact angle showed that wettability of Larch treated with H₂O₂ solution increased markedly compared with the untreated Larch.

Research limitations/implications

The improvement of adhesion as a result of hydrogen peroxide treatment mainly applies to radial Larch surface.

Practical implications

This study provided a simple and practical solution to improving the adhesion of Larch laminated timber glued with water‐based Polymer Isocyanate (WPI) adhesive. Such a hydrogen peroxide surface treatment may be applied to other types of wood.

Originality/value

This method of improving the adhesion of Larch glued laminated timber can be used for other Larch products glued with WPI.

Citation

Cheng, R.X. and Gu, J.Y. (2010), "Study of improvement of bonding properties of Larch glued laminated timber", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 39 No. 3, pp. 170-173. https://doi.org/10.1108/03699421011040802