In this work the influence of FRW-1 fire retardant treatment on the bonding strength of plywood was studied. The results showed that the bonding strength of FRW-1 fire-retardant-treated Poplar plywood decreased by 25.3% as compared to untreated plywood; furthermore, free formaldehyde in the fire-retardant-treated Poplar plywood decreased by 64.9% when compared to untreated plywood. In our studies we also analyzed: the pH value and the buffering capacity of fire-retardant-treated and untreated wood powder; and the influence of FRW-1 fire retardant treatment on the gelation time of urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesives. The results show that FRW-1 fire retardants reduced the pH value and increased the buffering capacity of FRW-1 fire-retardant-treated wood powder. The gelation time of the UF adhesive mixed with FRW-1 fire-retardant-treated wood powder was shortened by 15% as compared with the untreated wood powder. The results of the scanning electron microscope analysis showed that the FRW-1 fire retardant was mainly confined to: the trachea lumen of the Poplar wood; the wall of trachea; as well as around the pits when using an impregnation method at ambient temperature and pressure. It is possible that this has led to the decrease in mechanical action between the veneer and the adhesive. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2011