PRO LİGNO, cilt.20, sa.3, ss.49-56, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
In this study, selected surface characteristics (color parameters, glossiness, and whiteness index: WI*)
of iroko (Milicia excelsa Welw. C.C. Berg) wood were investigated following bleaching treatments using two
different chemicals: oxalic acid (C2H2O4) and hydrogen peroxide + sodium hydroxide (H2O2 + NaOH). The
surfaces that underwent bleaching treatment were compared with surfaces that did not undergo bleaching.
The obtained results were analyzed using an SPSS program. All tests yielded significant findings in their
variance analyses. The application of both bleaching chemicals to wooden surfaces at 60 and 85 degrees
led to decreased glossiness levels in both perpendicular and parallel fiber orientations. Furthermore,
decreases were noted in the measurements of WI*, a*, C*, and b* values. Furthermore, decreases were
noted in the measurements of a*, C*, and b* values. When subjected to the C2H2O4 chemical, the ΔE*
values were determined as 2.20, whereas they measured 4.09 under exposure to the H2O2 + NaOH
chemical. The Δa*, Δb*, and ΔC* values were identified as negative. The utilization of chemicals led to
changes in the surface characteristics of the wooden material.