No abstract

Binderless poplar powder compacts were prepared using the hot-pressing technology. The effect of the forming process on the mechanical properties and surface color of the poplar powder compacts was studied. The effect of forming temperature on mechanical properties and surface color was more noticeable than the forming pressure and the holding time. With the change of the forming process parameters, the static bending strength of the compacts increased first and then decreased. The overall change trend of the surface hardness increased continuously. The overall color difference (ΔE*) of the compacts increased with the change of forming process parameters and the surface color deepened gradually. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin in the compacts were greatly affected by the forming process parameters. The degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose produced many colored substances, and the content of lignin increased. These made the surface color of compacts deepen.

Warm compaction technology is an eco-friendly method to improve the added value of poplar. In this work, the wood powder was compacted in the mold between 120 °C to 200 °C, at 80 MPa for 30 min. The color change, chemical properties, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The color of the formed compaction darkened uniformly. The CIE lightness color coordinate (L*) and chroma coordinates a* and b* decreased with the increase of forming temperature. Fourier infrared spectral analysis showed degradation of carbohydrates, along with the formation of a new chemical structure of darker color. Mechanical properties including modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of compacted wood increased initially and then decreased. These results provide a reference for the surface color control of thermally forming materials.