Effects of free and microencapsulated biocides on characteristics of wood coatings and their mold growth resistance

Mold growth resistance of Polyurethane and Diotrol coatings containing natural (Thyme essential oil) and synthetic (IPBC) fungicides in both free and microencapsulated forms was studied. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microcapsules were prepared using solvent evaporation method by means of oil emulsion formation in water. Mold growth resistance against Aspergillus niger was determined by Filter Paper Disc method before and after aging process according to ASTM D 5590 Standard. Adhesion strength and surface roughness of coated samples were also measured. Results revealed that biocide-free coatings cannot provide adequate protection against mold growth, and addition of biocides, especially IPBC, significantly improved the mold growth resistance. Even after the aging process, microencapsulated biocides were able to provide better protection against mold growth due to controlled-release mechanism and shielding-effect of polymeric shell. Although the surface roughness of polyurethane coating was increased by using of biocides in both forms, especially microencapsulated ones, its adhesion strength reduced.