Wood finishing with coatings can have protective, aesthetic, or both functions depending on the intended application. Reduction of the adverse effects of water and photodegradation is the most common idea behind the use of protective coatings. However, additional benefits including antimicrobial resistance can be provided by tailoring the coating formulations. Not only wood as a renewable resource but also bio-based coatings are becoming increasingly important in the light of environmental concerns and the risk of depletion of fossil resources. The challenge that drove the study was to achieve maximum impact with minimum resources and to provide a solution that could be considered environmentally friendly. The present study investigated the possibility of retarding mould growth on surface by coating wood with a linseed oil-based emulsion without and with antimicrobial additives incorporated into the formulation. Although the results varied depending on the wood substrate, a general trend in the effectiveness of the formulations developed was observed. The results showed that the formulation containing zinc oxide was the most effective in retarding mould growth, while the linseed oil formulations without additives and with ionic silver additive were less effective.
Keywords: wood, linseed oil, anti-microbial coating
Authors
Dace Cirule
Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Latvia
Edgars Kuka
Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Latvia
Errj Sansonetti
Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Latvia
Ingeborga Andersone
Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Latvia
Bruno Andersons
Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Latvia
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