Filamentous fungi (mould), thanks to their little trophic requirements belong to organisms which grow exceptionally easy and fast in favorable hygrothermal conditions and attack both organic and inorganic materials even with only trace amounts of organic substances on the surface. The fungi often cause spoilage of foodstuffs, worsen the aesthetic of wood-based elements, and pose a threat to the environment. These fungi release mycotoxins and allergens, which may cause a series of infection, toxic or allergic symptoms in people and animals, so generating a health risk to endothermic organisms. The elements of furniture coatings, such as: solvent - and water-borne lacquers, natural veneers, paper foils or laminates may be a good ground for mould growth. The aim of the research was to identify the susceptibility of modern plywood for furniture purposes covered with water-diluted acrylic lacquer to the growth of moulds, as well as to determine the degree of degradation caused by moulds to chosen physical and mechanical properties of infected coatings. The susceptibility of beech plywood covered with the acrylic lacquers to fungal growth appeared to be lower than natural (uncoated) plywood, however, not sufficient to consider them as resistant to moulds according to the requirements of the building industry. The mould fungi caused the color change of tested samples. It was also stated, as result of fungi growth on coated surfaces, possibility of occurrence differentiated changes such as reduction in water resistance, deterioration of oil resistance, decreased resistance to abrasion, however the impact resistance and scratch resistance were relatively small change or remained unchanged. Resistance of acrylic lacquers used for coating of plywood and possibly also in other wood-based materials exposed to conditions favorable for growth of filamentous fungi, should be increased e.g. by the use of biocides.

Download document (583 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document