Using Laser Perforation to Enhance Decorative Properties of Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica) Wood

Abstract

This paper presents research into the possibilities of using laser perforation to enhance the decorative properties of Siberian fir (Abies sibirica) wood. Fir wood is characterized by fairly modest physical and mechanical properties and featureless appearance, which is why it is in low demand. With enhanced decorative properties, fir wood could find its use in the production of finish materials. The literature review reveals that the existing wood dyeing technologies are not really effective for the hard-to-impregnate fir wood. Therefore, laser perforation was used to achieve higher wood impregnation and its controlled coloring to form the texture. The study also explored the features of dyeing laser-perforated fir wood, depending on the set parameters of impregnation and wood structure. To do so, the fir samples (with the size of 165×65×32 mm) were laser perforated to form slots up to 0.2 mm in diameter and 15 mm deep. Then the samples were impregnated in an autoclave. The set parameters were determined in accordance with the two-factor experiment schedule: the pressure standing at 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 MPa, with the impregnation time of 30, 225 and 480 min. The study showed that when perforated wood is impregnated, the dyeing solution penetrates the laser-cut slots first and mainly spreads along the wood fibers. Depending on the impregnation time and pressure applied, the dye moves from the perforated slots along the wood fibers covering a distance of 10.9 mm to 24.6 mm. The dye does not spread as well across the fibers, only coloring a total width of 1.3 to 1.7 mm both ways from the slot depending on applied pressure and time of impregnation. It was found that, first and foremost, the set parameters affect the size of colored areas along the wood fibers and make little difference to lateral coloring in absolute values. Pressure applied to perforated wood during impregnation was determined to have the biggest impact on the size of colored areas. The study proves it possible to use the developed technology in forming artificial wood textures, including those that imitate valuable wood species. For citation: Eliseev S.G., Ermolin V.N., Duk D.V. Using Laser Perforation to Enhance Decorative Properties of Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica) Wood. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 5, pp. 151–163. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-5-151-163