ANN Prediction of Laser Power, Cutting Speed, and Number of Cut Annual Rings and Their Influence on Selected Cutting Characteristics of Spruce Wood for CO Laser Processing.

In this work, we focus on the prediction of the influence of CO laser parameters on the kerf properties of cut spruce wood. Laser kerf cutting is mainly characterized by the width of kerf and the width of the heat-affected zone, which depend on the laser power, cutting speed, and structure of the cut wood, represented by the number of cut annual rings. According to the measurement results and ANN prediction results, for lower values of the laser power () and cutting speed (), the effect of annual rings (ARs) is non-negligible.

Evaluation of the Surface Irregularities of the Cross-Section of the Wood after CO Laser Cutting.

The present paper deals with the analysis of cross-section surface irregularities after CO laser cutting. The surface irregularities of beech ( L.), oak (), and spruce ( L.

New Challenges in Wood and Wood-Based Materials II.

Wood is a natural material that is available in large quantities and is easy to produce, making it the perfect material to consider for the circular economy [...

Influence of Irradiation Parameters on Structure and Properties of Oak Wood Surface Engraved with a CO Laser.

The work investigates the effects of CO laser parameters (laser power and raster density) on wood mass loss in oak wood and impacts on its morphology, chemical structure, and surface properties (colour and hydrophilicity). The energy amount supplied onto the wood surface with a laser beam under different combinations of the irradiation parameters was expressed through a single variable-total irradiation dose. The mass loss was confirmed as linear-dependent on the irradiation dose.

The Influence of Nanoparticles on Fire Retardancy of Pedunculate Oak Wood.

Traditional flame retardants often contain halogens and produce toxic gases when burned. Hence, in this study, low-cost, environmentally friendly compounds that act as fire retardants are investigated. These materials often contain nanoparticles, from which TiO and SiO are the most promising.

New Challenges in Wood and Wood-Based Materials.

Wood and wood-based composites are key engineering materials that can be successfully designed and manufactured with predetermined exploitation properties, making them suitable for a wide range of applications and end uses [...

Flammability Characteristics of Thermally Modified Meranti Wood Treated with Natural and Synthetic Fire Retardants.

This paper deals with the effect of synthetic and natural flame retardants on flammability characteristics and chemical changes in thermally treated meranti wood ( spp.). The basic chemical composition (extractives, lignin, holocellulose, cellulose, and hemicelluloses) was evaluated to clarify the relationships of temperature modifications (160 °C, 180 °C, and 210 °C) and incineration for 600 s.

Changes of Meranti, Padauk, and Merbau Wood Lignin during the ThermoWood Process.

Thermal modification is an environmentally friendly process in which technological properties of wood are modified using thermal energy without adding chemicals, the result of which is a value-added product. Wood samples of three tropical wood species (meranti, padauk, and merbau) were thermally treated according to the ThermoWood process at various temperatures (160, 180, 210 °C) and changes in isolated lignin were evaluated by nitrobenzene oxidation (NBO), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). New data on the lignins of the investigated wood species were obtained, e.

Structural Changes of Oak Wood Main Components Caused by Thermal Modification.

Thermal modification of wood causes chemical changes that significantly affect the physical, mechanical and biological properties of wood; thus, it is essential to investigate these changes for better utilization of products. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography were used for evaluation of chemical changes at thermal treatment of oak wood. Thermal modification was applied according to Thermowood process at the temperatures of 160, 180 and 210 °C, respectively.