Preparation and weathering properties of Ce/TiO2 anti-UV coating on heat-treated wood

Abstract

Heat-treated wood is widely used as building exterior wall panels and landscape materials due to its excellent dimensional stability and durability. However, heat-treated wood is susceptible to discoloration and cracking due to ultraviolet radiation, temperature and humidity changes in the outdoor environment. In this study, Ce/TiO2 alcohol solution was prepared by sol-gel method, and the inorganic anti-ultraviolet coating was attached to the surface of wood by brush coating. Then artificial accelerated weathering test was carried out for 672 h to evaluate the weathering behavior of heat-treated wood. UV–Vis spectroscopy and macroscopic morphology analysis of the glass substrate show that the coating has good transparency and effective UV shielding ability. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the coating successfully adhered to the wood surface and played a good anti-ultraviolet effect. After artificial weathering, the color difference values of unmodified wood, Ce modified wood, TiO2 modified wood and Ce/TiO2 modified wood were 6.04, 4.97, 3.67 and 3.29, respectively. Based on the changes of color and wood chemical composition, the Ce/TiO2 anti-ultraviolet coating can significantly improve the weathering resistance of heat-treated wood, and ultimately limit the degradation degree of surface chemical composition of heat-treated wood.