The effect of four methods of surface activation for improved adhesion of wood polymer composites (WPCs)

Shear strength values showed that all treatments except the halogen heating lamps increased the bond strength and the best results were achieved with hydrogen peroxide treatment at a pH of 7.5 (37% improvement); a two pass hot air treatment at a pass speed of 75 mm s−1 (44% improvement); and a gas flame treatment at a pass speed of 175 mm s−1(41% improvement).The bond strength was increased to values that caused failure within the material, rather than at the interfaces of the bond line.