Wood, a fundamental material in the Built Environment, faces challenges related to durability and weathering, notably UV degradation leading to colour changes. This study explored a novel treatment method utilising citric acid and urea to enhance the UV stability of wood. The reaction between these compounds forms fluorescent species and insoluble nanoparticles upon thermal treatment. Two treatment approaches, impregnation and surface coating, were employed, demonstrating potential applications in wood protection. Impregnated wood specimens treated at 180 °C and 220 °C showed weight percentage gains (WPG) of 13-49%, with increased anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) values correlating with treatment temperature. Accelerated weathering tests revealed significant colour changes over time, with specimens coated with a mixture of melamine formaldehyde (MF) and fluorescent nanoparticles exhibiting the least alteration, indicating improved UV stability. Ongoing research aims to further evaluate weathering properties and explore additional coating options. Further studies will delve into optimising treatment parameters and exploring compatibility with various coatings, paving the way for enhanced wood protection strategies.

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