INFLUENCE OF MOISTURE CONTENT ON THE STRENGTH OF FINGER JOINTS BONDED BEECH WOOD

Abstract

Wood extension is a technological process that has enabled better use of solid wood, reaching longer element lengths and greater stability of solid wood shapes. The paper examines the influence of humidity and adhesive types on the bending strength and modulus of elasticity of the finger joint beech wood. Samples of beech wood of different moisture were lengthwise joined using polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) and polyurethane (PU) adhesive. The bending strength and modulus of elasticity test was performed on a testing machine, and the obtained results were statistically processed by analysis of variance method (ANOVA). The test results showed that when glued in the optimal humidity range of 10-12%, the best results of bending strength and modulus of elasticity are obtained, while with increasing humidity, the mechanical properties of the joint are reduced. Adhesive bonding with PVAC adhesive gives better results of bending strength and modulus of elasticity compared to bonding with PU adhesive.