Consolidating properties of Regalrez 1126 and Paraloid B72 applied to wood

This study is aimed at an assessment of the properties of two polymeric products applied to Norway spruce (Picea abies) and White poplar (Populus alba) wood species. It contributes to ongoing research experiments on the consolidating properties of two synthetic resins and their potential synergic action on wood, resulting from their different interaction with the substrate: Paraloid B72 and Regalrez 1126. Experiments were carried out on a series of samples of the two wood varieties. The consolidants were applied alone and one after the other, with one coat of Regalrez and then one of Paraloid. Porosity and variations in pore size distribution were ascertained by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Colorimetric and IR spectroscopic measurements were also taken before and after aging by solar radiation and freeze/thaw cycles, to verify the possible slowing of photodegradation of the treated wood and the consolidating resistance. Results confirm that both products penetrate the wood with a different behaviour. After double treatment with Regalrez + Paraloid, a significant advantage was observed in terms of mechanical resistance and pore size distribution, although no advantages as regards resistance to photo-oxidizing processes or colour changes were observed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.