Impregnated wooden claddings and the influence of nanoparticles on the weathering performance

Abstract

This work was an investigation of the effect of nanoparticles on the durability of wood specimens exposed to artificial weathering. TiO₂ and clay nanoparticles were mixed with preservative (Wolmanit CX-8) for improving the durability of Norway spruce (Picea abies). Impregnated and untreated specimens were subjected to Atlas Solar Simulator accelerated ageing test chamber for solar radiation and water spray exposure. The effectiveness of the treatment against colour and chemical changes was investigated using CIEL*a*b* colour measurements system and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The present study showed that the wood specimens that had been treated with preservatives containing nanoparticles were slightly more stable against artificial ageing than both untreated specimens and specimens treated with preservative alone.

Keywords:

• Accelerated ageing
• impregnation
• TiO₂ nanoparticles
• nanoclay
• colour analysis
• FTIR

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Research Council of Norway for providing the financial support. Special thanks are also due to Moelven Wood for providing materials and many helpful discussions; Erik Larnøy, Andreas Treu and Britta Witt of the Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute for their support in impregnation and to Ole Aunrønning for assistance with various laboratory tasks.

Notes

1. 0.67: Correction factor for the radiation affecting the surface; 5: Annual solar radiant exposure.