Effects of Different Joint Angles and Adhesives on Diagonal Compression Strengths

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was performed to determine the effects of different joint angles and adhesives on diagonal compression strengths of the box-type furniture made from solid wood and MDF (medium density fiberboard). After drilling joints of 75o, 78o, 81o, 84o, and 87o degrees on Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), European oak (Quercus petreae Liebl.), Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris Lipsky), and MDF samples, a diagonal compression strength test was applied on corners glued with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and polyurethane (Desmodur-VTKA = Desmodur-Vinyl Trieketonol Acetate) according to ASTM D 1037 standard. Consequently, the highest compression strength was obtained in Oriental beech (0.321 N.mm -2 ) with Desmodur-VTKA glue (0.268 N.mm -2 ) and joint angle of 84o (0.302 N.mm -2 ), while the lowest value was obtained in MDF (0.154 N.mm -2 ) with PVAc glue (0.252 N.mm -2 ) and joint angle of 78o (0.207 N.mm -2 ). Considering the interaction of wood, adhesive, and joint angle, the highest compression strength was obtained in Oriental beech with joint angle of 81o and Desmodur-VTKA glue (0.445 N.mm -2 ), whereas the lowest compression strength was determined in MDF with joint angle of 87o and PVAc glue (0.132 N.mm -2 ). In consequence, Desmodur-VTKA as glue and 81o as joint angle could be recommended to obtain some advantageous on the dovetail joint process for box-type furniture made from both massive wood and MDF.