Some Aspects of Bond Formation and Failure in Adhesive Wood Joints

Abstract An investigation has been made of the effect of varying glue-spread on the bond strength of holly (Ilex aquifolium) using three adhesives and three different wood sections. The glue-spreads are lower than those normally used, and it has been found with edge-grain joints that 100% cohesive wood failure can occur with a glue-spread as low as 2.7mg/cm2. Scanning electron microscopy shows that interlocking between adhesive and adherend does not occur. Factors leading to delamination and joint failure are discussed. Lignin, without further addition, has been shown to be a useful wood adhesive. It has also been shown that it is possible to make end-grain joints without the use of an adhesive; the lignin present in the wood specimens is considered to be responsible for such joints.