Effect of thermomechanical densification on surface roughness of wood veneers

The effect of short-term thermomechanical densification of veneer on the surface roughness and surface anatomical changes in four wood species – alder (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.), beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), birch (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.), and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) – was studied. Veneer sheets were densified at a temperature of 100, 150, or 200°C and at a pressure of 4, 8, or 12 MPa for 4 minutes. Seven roughness parameters such as R_a, R_z, R_q, R_p, R_v, R_sk, and R_ku were determined. Profile surface was recorded using a modified Carl Zeiss ME-10 profile gauging profilometer. Surface anatomical changes of veneer were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that densification temperature and pressure affect surface roughness of veneer. The surface became smoother, and roughness values decreased significantly (except for R_ku which increased slightly) with increasing temperature and pressure of densification. The effect of temperature on surface roughness changes is more pronounced compared with that of densification pressure. The lowest values of surface roughness were recorded for pine veneer samples followed by alder, birch, and beech samples. These results can be used to provide initial data for adhesive application processes in woodworking industry.