MECHANICAL AND FIRE PROPERTIES OF ORIENTAL BEECH IMPREGNATED WITH FIRE-RETARDANTS AND COATED WITH POLYUREA/POLYURETHANE HYBRID AND EPOXY RESINS

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate some mechanical properties such as modulus of rupture and compression strength parallel to grain and some fire properties such as weight loss and temperature values of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) treated with fire-retardants and coated with polyurethane/polyurea hybrid resin and epoxy resin were investigated. The coatings are based on epoxy and polyurethane\polyurea hybrid resins. Firstly, an impregnation method was applied by using fire-retardants which are boron chemicals and ammonium sulfate before coating process. Oriental beech was impregnated with 3 % aqueous solution of boric acid, borax, boric acid and borax mixture (1:1), and ammonium sulfate. Oriental beech was primed with epoxy resin by using Sikafloor®-156, and then coated with Sikalastic®-851, a polyurethane/polyurea hybrid resin. Results showed that modulus of rupture and compression strength parallel to grain values of polyurethane/ polyurea and epoxy resin coated Oriental beech wood were higher than that of un-treated and non-coated (control) group. Fire-retardants treatment before polyurethane/polyurea and epoxy resin coatings caused to decrease modulus of rupture and compression strength parallel to grain values of Oriental beech in some extent. Weight loss and temprature values of polyurethane/polyurea and epoxy resin coated Oriental beech were higher than that of un-treated and non-coated (control) group. Hovewer, fire-retardants treatment before polyurethane/polyurea and epoxy resin coatings improved fire properties of Oriental beech wood.