Protecting ancient wood with a novel polyurethane-acrylate coating
Researchers report improved surface properties of a novel self-healing polyurethane-acrylate coating by in situ polymerisations of dihydroxy organo-montmorillonite on ancient wood.
A novel polyurethane-acrylate (PUA) polymerised in situ with montmorillonite (MMT) was synthesised to improve the surface properties of self-healing coatings used for ancient wood. For better dispersion and interaction, natural MMT was initially modified to dihydroxy organo-montmorillonite (OMMT). The prepared self-healing PUA coatings were painted on ancient wood and the surface properties tested, characterised, and compared to pure PUA and natural MMT-added PUA.
Improved abrasive resistance
After painting the ancient wood, the surface contained no obvious bulges and the roughness increased slightly. Due to OMMT addition, the adhesion and hardness of OMMT modified PUA increased to 1 class and 2H, respectively, which is acceptable for indoor woodenware. The abrasive resistance was also improved. Furthermore, dihydroxy OMMT promoted the self-healing of PUA. After 30 s of healing, damages disappeared.
The study has been published in Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 172, November 2022.
