Abstract
Norway spruce cladding panels were surface charred with a prototype device utilizing a hot plate method. The panels were used to construct a test wall that was exposed to natural weathering for a period of two years. The changes in functional groups were evaluated with photoacoustic FTIR spectroscopy. The analysis revealed degradation of the thermally modified lignin component, indicating poor stability in weathering. Improvements in the prototype device process conditions, such as increased surface pressure and slower feed speed, and future research needs regarding surface charred wood are discussed.
Highlights
For wooden claddings to retain optimal performance and maximal service life, they require coating and repetitive maintenance operations in the use phase
This paper studies the properties of surface charred wood in natural weathering in South-Eastern Finnish conditions, and reports the results based on changes in surface functional groups, measured with photoacoustic
Spruce cladding panels were charred from one side with a prototype device and the resulting surfaces were evaluated in respect to their tolerance to natural weathering
Summary
For wooden claddings to retain optimal performance and maximal service life, they require coating and repetitive maintenance operations in the use phase. Wood degrades in outdoors conditions due to UV-radiation, rain, frost, and decay-causing organisms, which greatly affect the service life of structures. A flaked and cracked coating allows moisture to penetrate and may lead to decay, and the eroded surface serves as a poor bonding base for finishing chemicals. The coating type affects the durability of a cladding, but the exposure site and orientation of the wall have even higher impacts [1,2,3]. The paint and painting process have a relatively high environmental load and, longer painting intervals with resulting shorter service life of a façade may lower the overall environmental impacts [2]
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