Effects of Wollastonite Nanofibers on Biological Durability of Poplar Wood (Populus nigra) against Trametes versicolor

Abstract

The effect of impregnation with wollastonite nanofibers, a nontoxic mineral material, on the biological durability of poplar wood (Populus nigra) against a white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor) was studied. Wollastonite nano-suspension with a concentration of 6.3% was used; the size range of the nano-wollastonite (NW) was 30 to 110 nm. Results showed that decay exposed for 16 weeks in accordance with the standard DIN-52176 specifications resulted in a 47.5% mass loss in control specimens, while in the NW-impregnated specimens, only 3.6% mass loss occurred. Mechanical tests on separate sets of specimens impregnated with NW without exposure to the decay organism showed no significant difference in the mechanical properties. Thus, it can be concluded that impregnating poplar wood with NW as a preservative significantly increases the biological durability of poplar wood against deterioration by Trametes versicolor. Furthermore, it does not have negative effects on the mechanical properties in the impregnated poplar specimens.