Mold Resistance of Nano and Micronized Particles-Treated Wood After Artificial Weathering Process

Abstract

Wood and wood based materials under outdoor conditions may lose their appearance and performance properties by time. Color differences, cracks, rough surface may occur within a few years in unprotected wood. These undesired formations could be avoided by technical applications such as coatings on wooden surfaces by paints and varnish since such coating materials include special additives in their formulations such as UV absorbents, pigments, etc. Novel systems with nano or micronized particles may have superior properties when compared to conventional wood preservatives. In this study, we compared nano-scale, micro-scale and common wood preservatives in treated wood in terms of their effectiveness against mold fungi before and after artificial weathering process. Accelerated weathering tests of the test specimens were performed in a Xenon arc radiation cabinet with water spraying property. Artificially weathered and treated wood specimens were evaluated for resistance to mold fungi according to the ASTM D4445. General mold score results collected before and after artificial weathering process showed that CCA and MCQ-treated specimens had the best performance properties; however, nano zinc oxide-treated wood specimens had the weakest performance against mold fungi.