Effects of processing parameters on mass loss and coating properties of poplar plywood during CO2 laser modification

Laser surface modification is a method that uses a laser beam to irradiate the workpiece surface to change its structure and chemical components, so as to change the physical and chemical properties of the material surface. In this study, the CO2 laser was applied to modify poplar plywood. The mass loss per unit area and paint film properties (color, glossiness and adhesion) were tested and measured to evaluate the processability of laser modification for plywood. The experimental design, data analysis and model creation were accomplished by response surface methodology. Results showed that selected laser processing parameters had a significant influence on mass loss and paint film properties. The absolute values of mass loss, lightness differences and total color differences increased observably with an increase in the laser power, while decreased with an increase in the feed speed and path scanning distance. The glossiness decreased when the laser power and path distance increased but increased with the feed speed increasing. The dark and low gloss surfaces were achieved under high intensity treatment conditions. The laser modification parameters did not have obvious effects on the paint film adhesion, and the grade of paint film adhesion reached to grade 1 according to Chinese standard (GB/T 4893.4-2013). The quadratic models were selected to evaluate the quantitative relationship between laser processing parameters and response parameters, due to the high values of determination coefficient of R-2. The accuracy of these models was also verified by the validation experiments. The values achieved by the prediction model were in good agreement with the results of validation experiments, which indicated that the created quadratic models could give accurate prediction for the properties variations of poplar plywood during CO2 laser modification.

Automated summary

Laser surface modification involves using a laser beam to change the surface structure and chemical components of a workpiece, altering the material's physical and chemical properties. This study utilized a CO2 laser to modify poplar plywood, evaluating the processability by measuring mass loss and paint film properties. Response surface methodology was employed for experimental design, data analysis, and model creation. Results showed that laser processing parameters had a significant impact on mass loss and paint film properties, with power and feed speed playing prominent roles. The created quadratic models accurately predicted the properties variations of poplar plywood during CO2 laser modification.