In this study it is investigated if the anti-oxidant propyl gallate, a derivative of tannins, can be used to impregnate wood, react with wood, and provide increased resistance to UV degradation and fungal attack. Samples were vacuum-pressure impregnated with three chemical solutions all based on solvent methanol:water 1:1: 1. Arquad (0.1 wt%); 2. Propyl gallate (10 wt%); 3. Propyl gallate (10 wt%) and arquad (0.1 wt%). Reference samples were impregnated with just solvent methanol:water 1:1. After impregnation, half of the samples were vacuum treated and the other half were oven-treated. The samples were then investigated in terms of reaction of propyl gallate with wood by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further studies will include their weight percent gain (WPG) and leaching measurements with examination of the resistance of the samples to fungal attack using soil box testing (ENV 807) and UV durability by QUV advanced weathering and a colorimeter.
Keywords: metal free protection, modified wood, fungicide, anti-oxidant tannin, wood modification
Authors
Sidorova E.
SP Trätek, Stockholm, Sweden
Trey S.M.
SP Trätek, Stockholm, Sweden
Englund F.
SP Trätek, Stockholm, Sweden
Login to download the PDF