Effect of Moisture Content on the Load Carrying Capacity and Stiffness of Corner Wood-based and Plastic Joints

The effect of moisture content on mechanical properties of corner furniture joints was evaluated for when different joining methods and materials were used. Results included statistical processing of the measured and calculated data and evaluation of the effect of selected factors on mechanical properties of joints caused by using mechanical fasteners and glue. The load-carrying capacity and stiffness of corner joints were investigated in two environments, humid and dry, with standard conditions for temperature and pressure, i.e., dry environment had a temperature of 23 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C and relative humidity of 45%+/- 5%, and the humid environment had a temperature of 23 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C and relative humidity of 90%+/- 5%. The two types of materials used were particleboard (PB) with a thickness of 12 mm and artificial stone (plastic) with a thickness of 12 mm. Both materials were tested individually as well as their combination. Epoxy and polyurethane (PUR) adhesives were used for the glued dowel joints. When the same materials were bonded, maximum load carrying capacity was achieved with PUR adhesive, material combination of plastic-plastic, and moisture content of 90%. The epoxy adhesive was most suitable for bonding materials with different properties.