Weathering of silane treated wood

Abstract

Outdoor and artificial weathering tests were performed on specimens of Scots pine sapwood treated with silanes to achieve water repellent properties. During outdoor weathering, the treatment caused a reduction in (liquid) water uptake but the sorption of moisture (air humidity) was not affected by silane treatment. The water repellent effect of vacuum-pressure treated specimens remained stable over the tested exposure period of one year, as was shown in dipping tests. Evaluation of silane treated specimens did not reveal any reduction of crack formation during exposure to weathering. The application of silanes in combination with UV light stabilizers enhanced the effectiveness of these protectants and led to higher colour stability during artificial weathering in a QUV device.