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Abstract
Wood specimens were treated with sol-gel systems based on metalorganic precursors of silicon (Si), iron (Fe), zirconium (Zr), and titanium (Ti). The effect of these sol-gel systems on weathering properties of wood was investigated. These sol-gel systems were found to have a positive effect on surface color stability and water vapor resistance of the specimens. Under accelerated weathering conditions, the sol-gel systems retarded the degradation of the wood fiber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA), after accelerated weathering in a Weather-Ometer™, showed a marked difference between the treated specimens and the controls in the pattern and localization of degradation. Although the controls showed severe micro-fracturing of the cell walls, the treated specimens showed no such micro-fracturing. On the contrary, the sol-gel-treated specimens showed micro-checks that were predominantly confined to weak areas of the cell wall, such as fusiform rays and the tracheid interfaces.
Keywords
Wood surfaces,
wood deterioration,
coatings,
deterioration,
thin films,
moisture,
water repellents,
wood moisture,
surface chemistry,
weathering,
titanium,
color-fading,
ultraviolet radiation,
zirconium,
stabilizing agents,
plant cell walls,
iron,
silicon,
accelerated life testing,
scanning electron microscopy,
sol-gel deposition,
moisture content,
durability,
exposure tests,
discoloration,
titanium compounds,
photodegradation,
photostabilization,
surface properties,
accelerated testing,
Energy dispersive x-ray analysis
Citation
Tshabalala, Mandla A; Williams, R. Sam. 2008. Sol-gel modification of wood substrates to retard weathering. In: PRA’s 6th International Woodcoatings Congress : "preserve, protect, prolong", Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14-15 October 2008, conference papers. Hampton : PRA Coatings Technology Centre, 2008: 14 p.: ISBN: 9780955131752: 0955131758.
