An innovative thermo densification method for wooden surfaces

Certain strength properties of wood can be improved by densification treatments. In this study linear vibration friction technology was investigated as a means of increasing the surface density of spruce and beech wood. Changes in the hardness, as well in the glossiness, of the modified surfaces are presented. The greatest improvement in hardness was obtained on the tangential surfaces of spruce wood, with an increase of up to 137 % being achieved when the wood was densified to only 2.7 %. Moreover, the elastic recovery of the tangential surfaces of spruce increased by up to 336 % when the wood had been densified. The glossiness increased by up to 700 % on the modified surfaces, indicating much smoother surfaces.