Wood facade materials ageing analysis by FTIR spectroscopy

Abstract

Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used in this study to quantify wood degradation. Nine different types of wood materials were studied. All types of wood were exposed in an Atlas solar simulator against artificial climate conditions. Additionally, natural climate exposure was performed for all types of wood at an outdoor test site in Trondheim, Norway, for 4 years. Surface treatment enhanced the durability of the wood and their performance against weathering. Rough surfaces might reduce the resistance against degradation in comparison with planed surfaces. The degradation during climate exposure created loss of lignin and accumulation of cellulose at the surface.