Adhesion strength of thermally compressed and varnished wood (TCW) substrate

The objectives of this work was to evaluate the adhesion strength of thermally compressed and varnished veneer used as overlay on medium density fibreboard (MDF) panels. Rotary cut birch veneer sheets were compressed at temperature levels of 150 °C, 180 °C and 210 °C before they were bonded MDF substrate. The varnish was applied to the surface of the samples at various layers and spread rates. Based on the findings of this study compression temperature significantly influences overall adhesion strength of the samples. Since thermal compression process resulted in uniform surface quality of both loose and tight sides no significant difference between them regarding their adhesion strength characteristics was determined. It was also determined that adhesion strength values of compressed and varnished samples had higher values than those of control samples.