Beech (<i>Fagus sylvatica</i>L.) – Technological properties, adhesion behaviour and colour stability with and without coatings of the red heartwood

Abstract

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is a popular and major tree species in Europe. The economic value of its timber is greatly decreased by the red heart phenomenon. The cause of red heart formation is well understood. However, scientific investigations about the technological and mechanical behaviour of red heartwood are scarce. Our study aims to provide a sound scientific basis for the characterization of technological properties, adhesion-as well as colour-behaviour of red-hearted beech. The mechanical and technological properties of redhearted beech give no evidence of different behaviour in comparison with the normal beech wood. The adhesion behaviour shows equal results. In terms of colour stability, the difference between freshly processed normal and red beech wood diminishes after certain time of exposure.