Determination of some surface properties in wax coatings applied on mulberry (Morus alba) wood

In this study, the surface properties of mulberry (Morus alba) wood treated with wax layers of varying coat numbers were identified and compared. The obtained data were analyzed in a statistical program, revealing generally different results. Except for the h° value, the number of coats factor was found to be significant for all tests in the variance analyses. As the number of coats increased, decreases were observed in the L* value, while increases were found in the b*, C*, and a* values. Increases in the number of coats resulted in a reduction in WI* values in both directions. The highest results in color parameters were observed in the control samples for ho and L* values, whereas for a*, b*, and C* values, they were found in the experimental samples treated with three coats of wax. The ∆E* values measured were 7.65 for one coat, 9.68 for two coats, and 12.02 for three coats of application. Increases in glossiness values were achieved in both directions at 60 and 85 degrees. The application of wax has been found to change certain optical properties of the wood.