Evaluation of mold resistance and thermal characteristics of wood modified with boron and Paraloid B72® copolymer

Paraloid B72®, a polymer mixture for consolidation of wood, cannot protect wood against biodeterioration, thus incorporation with additional biocides might be necessary in modification process (Nakhla 1986; Unger et al. 2001; Olstag and Kucerova 2009; Henriques et al. 2010). However, consolidants are required to be compatible with such chemicals/biocides (Unger et al. 2001; Nica et al. 2013). Biological performance of consolidated wood with Paraloid B72® and additional biocides can be enhanced; however, proper protection against thermal degradation is also needed.

Application of fire retardants may become a regular practice in the conservation of art works, even though studies on compatibility of fire retardants and Paraloid B72® and thermal properties of consolidated wood with Paraloid B72® are limited. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the thermal properties of Paraloid B72®-consolidated wood along with boric acid and to observe the effects of Paraloid B72® and boric acid on thermal properties that could be used as a combined treatment for consolidated wood artefacts.