Wood as a natural material contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and carboxylic acids. For this reason, wood is not suitable for applications in contact with precious and heavy metals which could react with the VOCs leading to corrosion. In this context, ancient exhibits in museums and displays containing these metals are at risk to corrode in contact with wooden materials. However, wood can be an attractive material for display cases in museums and exhibitions. For this study black alder (Alnus glutinosa) was impregnated with various alkaline buffer solutions in order to obtain a neutral pH- value inside the material to reduce emissions of VOCs. Subsequently, cold water extracts were prepared of each specimen to determine the efficacy of the buffer solutions. In order to specify the impact of the treated wood and the corresponding VOCs on precious and heavy metals, a standardized test set up, namely Oddy test, was used to evaluate the rate of corrosion.
The aim of the Oddy test is to simulate an accelerated corrosion within a closed test chamber. Small specimens of the treated wood in combination with a lead coupon and a small amount of water were exposed in gas-tight bottles for 28 days. Based on the degree of corrosion on the lead coupon, the results of the Oddy test are able to give a forecast if the material is suitable, temporally suitable or not suitable for applications in museums. Results showing that tested by the Oddy test, untreated or rather treated wood seems to be not suitable. However results give a hint that the Oddy test is not a descent test method in respect to wood.
Keywords: low-emission wood, Oddy test, volatile organic compounds
Authors
Franke T.
Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Wood Science and Technology, Eberswalde
Clauder L.
Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Wood Science and Technology, Eberswalde
Pfriem A.
Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Wood Science and Technology, Eberswalde
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