Dimensional stability and water absorption of spruce wood (Picea Abies Karst.) impregnated and coated with polyurethane and acrylic coatings

Abstract

Impregnating materials may affect the stabilization of wood dimensions in two ways: blocking of free water movement paths and chemical connection with hydroxyl groups of wood. The degree of modification depends on the applied material, its penetration and fixation to the wood. The paper investigates the impact of impregnation and coating with polyurethane and acrylic coatings of spruce wood (Picea abies Karst.) on absorption of water and dimensional stability of wood (anti-shrinking efficiency) after being immersed in water for a specific time. Impregnated spruce wood absorbs two times less water than untreated wood and it is dimensionally more stable than coated spruce wood. The water absorption of coated spruce wood is low, but it is not dimensionally stable.