Characterization of biofilm formation on wood treated with vegetable oils by color-based image interpretation method

IRG/WP 15-40697

K Filippovych, H Huinink, L van der Ven, O C G Adan

The protection of wood in order to extend its service life is an important issue nowadays. As an alternative to traditional wood coatings biofilms can be used. It is a living protective coating for the wood surface against UV and bio-degradation that has the ability to recover from local damage, such as cracks. This paper presents preliminary results of biofilm formation from an 8-month’s field test experiment containing yellow pine (Pinus) and beech (Fagus) impregnated with an olive and linseed oil. Oil treated samples together with non-oil treated as a reference were exposed to natural outdoor conditions on the roof of Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. Biofilm formation was monitored periodically by imaging wood surface of samples with a digital camera. A method to analyze biofilm appearance on different wood types and oils was proposed. The analysis is based on quantification of the darkening of the wood surface. Current results show that olive oil and beech is the best combination for biofilm formation. The reason for that might be the difference in wood structure and the fact that olive oil cross-link slower compare to linseed oil. Further studies on the role and state of oil, substrate and weather conditions are needed.


Keywords: biofilm, wood, olive oil, linseed oil, impregnation

Conference: 15-05-10/14 Vina del Mar, Chile


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