| Abstract: | In order to obtain a bonded wood product from the tree, wood must be subjected to a series of processes. These include, among others, vital processes like drying of the green wood and machining of the surfaces of the dried wood in preparation for bonding. However, when wood is machined with dull blades, thermal degradation of the wood frequently occurs. The effects of kiln drying and thermal degradation of wood on the performance of the adhesive joints subsequently formed from such wood were investigated. Tapered double cantilever beam (TDCB) test specimens obtained from hard maple and phenol–resorcinol–formaldehyde (PRF) adhesives were used in the investigations. The enhancement of fracture energy due to the reduction in the moisture content of wood, the improved performance of adhesive joints due to rejointing of wood surfaces before bonding, and the reduction of adhesive joint strength resulting from thermal degradation of wood are presented and discussed. |
