| Abstract: | A welding technique has been developed to join wooden work pieces by frictional heat without any wood glue. During the welding process 'melting' of the surfaces, resulting from the influence of pressure and frictional heat, was observed. Solidification and bond formation between the welded pieces happened during cool down of the heat-affected zone. The solidification of the heat-affected zone is explained. Tests were carried out to determine the resistance of the joint as a function of the interfacial temperature and the solidification time. The results show that after 20 s of cooling, the shear strength of the welded bonds amounted to 70% of the ultimate shear strength of the connection after 15 min of solidification. This behaviour allows continuous welding of multilayered wood laminates. Due to the use of natural materials only, the welded products are environmentally compatible. In case of disposal, the welded components can be burned in the same way as natural wood without the evolution of toxic compounds. |
