Bondability of Beech Wood with One-component Polyurethane Structural Adhesive

Abstract The bondability of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood with a one-component polyurethane (1K PUR) structural (load-bearing) adhesive has been investigated at the Simonyi Károly Faculty at the University of West Hungary. Our trial is considered a preliminary investigation in order to set the convenient parameters of bonding for the structural gluing of beech wood. Wood samples were characterized by their oven dry density, and the surfaces to be bonded were characterized by their surface roughness and surface tension after machining. Based on our measurements, we have made a suggestion on the value of the ensemble of open time, applied quantity and pressure, pressing time, and surface preparation/surface roughness parameters which result in good bonding and a shear strength higher than 10 N/mm2. Furthermore, we investigated the penetration of the adhesive into the surface and state that one-sided adhesive application results in differing levels of penetration. In order to check the suitability of beech wood for glued laminated timber production, further investigations according to EN standards are necessary. Based upon the considerations noted above, delamination tests are already under evaluation.