RESEARCH PROGRESS OF SOLID WOOD BENDING SOFTENING TECHNOLOGY. REVIEW

The softening process of wood bending has a very important influence on the performance, forming shape, and yield of bentwood. The paper reviewed the typical softening processes in solid wood bending by analyzing the various softening mechanism and softening processes. The main influencing factors of the softening technology on the bending properties were summarized based on the comparative analysis of the related research progress of wood softening. In view of the lack of systematic analyses of the cost and environmental factors associated with the softening process, this paper goes in detail analyzing the major softening technologies with comprehensive comparison of the economic and environmental advantages and disadvantages. The paper also draws light on the development trends of softening technology that can be implemented in wood industry which can hence improve the added value of wood. Under the background of green development, the authors believe that the softening technology should not only benefit the economic efficiency but also meet the social needs of low-carbon and environment-friendly.