Modification of Hardwood Veneers by Heat Treatment for Enhanced Colors

Abstract

This research involved the most widely used wood-species of veneers in Hungary (oak, ash, beech, cherry, and maple). The resulting changes in color produced at treatment temperatures between 80 and 200 °C in different treatment times were evaluated using the CIELab color stimulus evaluation system. For higher temperature treatments, a tight functional relationship was observed between the treatment time and the difference in color stimulus. Heat treatments within a temperature range above 160 °C produced visually perceptible results, while color change resulting from heat treatments at lower temperatures was almost imperceptible. For higher temperature treatment a tight functional relationship was observed between the difference in color stimulus and treatment time (r2>min. 0.84). Different tree species produced different extents of change in hue depending on the treatment parameters. Among the color components, the perceptible discoloration was mostly produced by the change in the lightness factor (L*). As the treatment temperature rose, the change in the red (a*) and yellow (b*) components was less significant regardless of the species.

Keywords

• Veneer
• Heat treatment
• Color change
• Oak
• Ash
• Beech
• Cherry
• Maple