Impact of impregnation with Imersol Aqua on the surface adhesion strength of synthetic, acrylic, polyurethane, and water‐based varnishes

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of Imersol Aqua impregnation of Scotch pine, Oriental spruce, and Uludağ fir on the surface adhesion strength of various types of varnishes. The finding obtained would benefit the manufacturers of building materials and furniture, where the surface adhesion strength of water‐based varnishes is a concern.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, test samples were prepared from Scotch pine, Oriental spruce, and Uludağ fir woods that met the requirements of ASTM D 358. The samples were impregnated with Imersol Aqua using short‐, medium‐, and long‐term immersion techniques according to ASTM D 1413 and the manufacturer's instructions. After impregnation, surfaces were coated with synthetic, acrylic, polyurethane, and water‐based varnishes in accordance with ASTM D 3023 standards. After the varnishing process, the adhesion strength of the samples was determined in accordance with ASTM D 4541.FindingsIt was also found that among the wood samples, the adhesion strength was highest in Scotch pine and lowest in Uludağ fir. The synthetic varnish produced the highest adhesion strength, whereas polyurethane and acrylic varnishes had the lowest adhesion strength. The adhesion strength was highest after medium‐term immersion and lowest after long‐term dipping. The highest adhesion strength (4.299 MPa) was produced by a combination of Scotch pine, medium‐duration immersion, and the use of a wood‐based varnish. The lowest adhesion strength (2.090 MPa) resulted from the combination of Uludağ fir, long‐term immersion, and a water‐based varnish.Research limitations/implicationsImpregnating woods using materials with appropriate water repellent, biotic, and abiotic effects before the application of varnishes and paints is important for long‐term protection against photochemical degradation, dimensional changes, biological factors, and fire.Practical implicationsThe effect of a varnish on surface adhesion strength can determine the usefulness of the varnish.Originality/valueImproving surface adhesion of some varnishes via medium‐term impregnation with Imersol Aqua impregnation should be used on Scotch pine, Oriental spruce, and Uludağ fir woods which could be used in the manufacturing of building materials and furniture, where the surface adhesion strength of water‐based varnishes is a concern.