Surface modification of poplar veneer by means of radio frequency oxygen plasma (RF-OP) to improve interfacial adhesion with urea-formaldehyde resin

The radio frequency oxygen plasma (RF-OP) treatment of wood was in focus, namely the surface properties of poplar veneer has been analyzed as a function of RF-OP treatment power concerning the chemical composition, free radicals, morphology and roughness. In addition, the interfacial adhesion of plywood composites was measured by determining the shear strength. The results show that RF-OP treatment introduced free radicals and polar groups onto the veneer surface, changed the surface morphology, and increased the surface roughness. Shear strength of the composite was improved. It can be concluded that RF-OP treatment is most effective at the optimal treatment power of 200 W.