Five waterbased silicones commonly used on masonry where tested as water repellents for wood. The Water Repellent Effectiveness was determined by swellometer-tests and by measuring the water uptake of samples after 24 hours complete immersion and by immersion in a water level of 4 mm for 24 hours. The different methods are compared and discussed. Artificial and natural weathering was performed to determine the durability of the water repellency. Non of the tested silicones showed a significant ASE. The gluability of three tested silicones with PVAc gave poor results. One of the silicone microemulsions and one silicone emulsion performed a water repellency that might allow their use on wood. Two commercial non silicone water repellents that where tested as controls had a lack of durability after weathering.
Keywords: SILICONE; WATER REPELLENT; MICROEMULSION; SWELLOMETER; WATER REPELLENT EFFECTIVENESS; ASE; ARTIFICIAL WEATHERING
Conference: 97-05-25/30 Whistler, British Columbia, Canada