Caffeine and TiO2 Nanoparticles Treatment of Spruce and Beech Wood for Increasing Transparent Coating Resistance against UV-Radiation and Mould Attacks

Abstract

The effect of the initial modification of beech and spruce wood using a solution of caffeine and of a commercial product FN-NANO® FN-1 containing a water dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles for increasing the service life of a transparent oil and acrylate coatings during 6 weeks of artificial accelerated weathering was tested. Changes in colour, gloss, and the contact angle of water were monitored. Degradation of the coating film was also evaluated visually and microscopically. The resistance of the coatings to mould growth was also subsequently tested. Based on the results, it is possible to recommend the initial treatment of spruce and beech wood with a 2% caffeine solution or 15% solution of FN-NANO® dispersion to increase the overall life of a transparent acrylic coating in exterior applications. No positive effect of the applied treatments was observed with the oil coating. In addition, lower concentrations of FN-NANO® did not have a sufficient effect, and the synergistic effect of using FN-NANO® in a mixture with a 1% caffeine solution was also not confirmed.