Improving the Strength of Eucalyptus Wood Joints Through Optimized Rotary Welding Conditions

Conventional wood connections rely on adhesives and metal fasteners, causing environmental concerns. Wood rotary welding offers an adhesive-free alternative. This study systematically investigated rotary welding of eucalyptus wood, evaluating process parameters' effects on joint performance. Chemical and microstructural transformations at the welding interface were characterized using FT-IR, XPS, XRD, SEM, and TGA. Optimal parameters significantly enhanced connection strength compared to unwelded specimens. The welding process induced partial degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose, forming new chemical bonds and increasing carbonyl compounds. XRD revealed increased wood crystallinity, while SEM showed tighter interfaces with enhanced mechanical interlocking. TGA confirmed improved thermal stability at the welded interface. The findings demonstrate that rotary welding improves eucalyptus wood joint strength through combined chemical, thermal, and structural modifications, providing guidance for optimizing welding protocols in sustainable wood manufacturing.