Enhanced Weathering Resistance of Radiata Pine Wood by Treatment with an Aqueous Styrene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer Dispersion. (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Che, Wenbo; Xiao, Zefang; Wang, Zheng; Nguyen, Thi Tham; Xie, Yanjun
• Is Part Of: Journal of wood chemistry and technology. Volume 39:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 421
• Page End: 435
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: Wood -- chemical modification -- styrene/acrylic copolymer -- weathering -- lignin photodegradation; Wood -- Chemistry -- Periodicals; Wood; Wood -- Chemistry; Periodicals; 674.13
• DOI: 10.1080/02773813.2019.1636824
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-3813

Abstract

Abstract : Radiata pine ( Pinus radiata Don.) sapwood was treated with an aqueous dispersion solution of styrene/acrylic acid (St/AA) copolymer (5, 15, or 25%) and the treatment effect on weathering of wood was determined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested that the St/AA treatment delayed lignin degradation during artificial weathering; the protection effect increased with St/AA concentration. Decrease in water contact angle upon weathering for the treated wood was also slower than for the untreated control. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the St/AA polymer filled some wood cell lumina, which facilitates to inhibit moisture and light (especially ultraviolet light) penetration into wood. During 12 months of outdoor exposure, the St/AA-treated wood boards had lower moisture content and less detachment of earlywood cells than the untreated controls. Treatments with St/AA stabilized the surface color by inhibiting photo-oxidation of cell wall polymers and propagation of staining fungi. The results suggest that treatment with St/AA can substantially improve wood's resistance to weathering.