Use of silicone based coating for protection of wood materials and bamboo composites from weathering and UV degradation

Abstract

This study was aimed to develop a silicone based UV and weather protective coating and its efficacy study in both natural and artificial weathering conditions to reduce the destructive effect of UV radiation and weathering for wood based panel products and bamboo composites. A silicone intermediate has been co-polymerised with carbinol functional resin before pre-formulation of coating for durable and non-toxic nature. Coating was developed by using silicone modified resin, thinner pigment and other additive. The coating was widely applied on wood based panel product and bamboo composite surfaces as a protective coating and then exposed to damp environment under natural weathering test and also exposed to UV light irradiation for artificial weathering test by weather-o-meter at 340 nm irradiation rate −1.10 ± 0.03 with continuous light cycle for a period of 2,400 h. Result from artificial weathering test revealed no peeling, cracking and blistering of coating surfaces. Results from natural weathering test shows that the coating provided excellent water repellent properties and rain water protection together with outstanding UV Protection from photo degradation and prevents significant greying of the wood based panel products. Hence from overall performance and from physico-mechanical properties, natural and artificial weathering test, it is ascertained that the coating provides an excellent resistance against photo degradation, weather damage, greying, termite attack and rain water with economical and outstanding coverage.