ROLE OF PRETREATMENTS IN THE PROTECTION OF WOOD SURFACE AND FINISHES IN THE WEATHERING OF <em>PTEROCARPUS</em> <em>MARSUPIUM</em> WOOD

Abstract

Wood samples of Pterocarpus marsupium (bijasal) treated with aqueous solutions of ammoniacal copper ferricyanide, acid copper chromate, acid copper chrome arsenate, ammoniacal copper  chromate  and  ammoniacal copper chrome  ferricyanide were studied  for outdoor weathering. The treated and untreated wood samples were coated with three type of commercially available wood finishes vis. polyurethane finish, synthetic enamel and acrylic emulsion paints, before exposing to the outdoor. Paint performance was studied for different periods of outdoor exposure.  Results indicated that pretreatment of wood surface with the inorganic  salt solutions helps in imparting water repellency and dimensional stabilization to the wood, resulting in increased service life of opaque and transparent coating over it. These treatments also slow down the photo-degradati‹in of wood surface and inhibit fungal growth over it. Out of the five treatments used,  the acid copper chromate provided the best protection to outdoor exposed wood surface.