Improving Physical and Surface Characteristics of Oriental beech Using PEG-400, Vaseline, and Epoxy Coatings

Wood is widely used in construction and furniture industries; however, its physical and surface properties are often affected by weathering. This study evaluates the physical and surface properties of Oriental beech wood treated with some chemicals and protective coatings to improve durability. Specimens were impregnated with a 3 % aqueous solution of polyethylene glycole-400 (PEG-400) and vaseline (V), followed by an epoxy resin (EPR) coating. Physical tests such as oven-dry density, air-dry density and water absorption tests were performed. Also, some surface tests such as color and adhesion strength tests were conducted after three months of natural weathering in Muğla, Turkey. Results demonstrated that the combination of vaseline treatment and epoxy resin coating yielded the highest color stability. Chemical impregnation before epoxy coating caused significant decrease in adhesion strength of wood before weathering. While weathering caused a general decline in adhesion strength, pre-impregnation with chemicals before epoxy coating significantly reduced this decrease. Furthermore, impregnated and coated specimens exhibited higher oven-dry and air-dry densities alongside reduced water absorption compared to untreated control group, highlighting the effectiveness of these treatments.