Effects of bleaching chemicals on some surface characteristics of olon (Zanthoxylum heitzii) wood

Abstract

Olon wood is used internationally in plywood, furniture, interior carpentry, and mold making. In this study, the effects of wood bleaching chemicals (oxalic acid and H2O2+NaOH) on certain surface properties (color, glossiness, and whiteness index: WI*) of olon wood (Zanthoxylum heitzii) were investigated. The results of the bleached samples were compared with those of a control group. Based on the results obtained, it was determined that the variance analyses conducted for all tests in the study yielded statistically significant results. Application of both bleaching chemicals led to an increase in the ho and L* values. The ∆E* values were determined as 2.07 for the single-component and 10.30 for the double-component. In contrast, these parameters increased with the single-component bleach while the a*, b* and C* values decreased with the double-component wood bleach. The WI* values exhibited an increase in both directions when they were exposed to both bleaching chemicals. Both bleaching agents resulted in reductions in glossiness values at 85 degrees in both directions. Furthermore, there were declines with the single-component bleach and rises with the double-component bleach when measuring glossiness at 60 degrees in both directions.