Impacts of coating with various varnishes after impregnation with boron compounds on the combustion properties of Uludag fir

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the effects of varnishing after impregnation with boron compounds on combustion properties of Uludag Fir. For this purpose, the test samples prepared from Uludag fir (Abies Bornmülleriana Mattf.) wood were impregnated according to ASTM D 1413-99 with boric acid (Ba) and borax (Bx) by vacuum technique. After impregnation, surfaces were coated by cellulosic (Cv), synthetic (Sn), polyurethane (Pu), waterborne (Wb), acrylic (Ac), and acid hardening (Ah) varnishes in accordance to ASTM D 3023. Combustion properties of samples after varnishing process were determined according to ASTM E 160-50. According to material and process type, combustion temperature was highest in without flame source combustion (WFSC), Bx, and Wb but the lowest in flame source combustion (FSC), Ba, and Pu. For the combination of combustion type, impregnation material and varnish type, combustion temperature was the highest in WFSC + Ba + Wb combination but the lowest in WFSC + Ba + Cv combination. Consequently, the tested varnishes showed an increasing impact but boron compounds (Ba and Bx) showed a decreasing impact on combustion properties of Uludag fir wood. In consequence, for usage areas having a high risk of fire, impregnation of wood material with boron compounds before varnishing will decrease combustion temperature and provide security. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007