Thermal modification of wood reduces its equilibrium moisture content, improves dimensional stability, and increases durability and decay resistance.Bonding of heat-treated wood is difficult, because of its modified properties. Several studies had shown that heat treated wood can be sufficiently bonded with most of industrial wood adhesives, but usually some modifications of bonding process and/or adhesive need to be made. Adhesive bond strength of heat-treated wood depends on wood species, degree of modification and type of adhesive. Especially bonding with waterborne adhesives presents difficulties, because heat-treated wood is more hydrophobic.
|