SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF HEATED AND VARNISHED ORIENTAL BEECH AFTER ACCELERATED WEATHERING

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate some surface characteristics such as surface hardness, surface roughness, and color changes of heated and varnished Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) after accelerated weathering. Heat treatment of Oriental beech wood was carried out by hot air in an oven for 0.5, 1, and 1.5 h at 210, 220, and 230 degrees C. After heat treatment, Oriental beech wood specimens were varnished using a polyurethane varnish. The results showed that accelerated weathering generally caused increase of surface hardness of Oriental beech. Surface roughness and total color changes of heated and varnished Oriental beech were lower than only varnished (control) Oriental beech after accelerated weathering. Heated and varnished Oriental beech wood gave better surface characteristics than only varnished oriental beech after accelerated weathering.