Colorimetric performance of temperate wood species under tropical weathering
2025
Silva Pereira, Kamilly da | Costa Lima, Saulo J. da | Ferreira Conceicao Santos, Mário | Emmerich, Lukas | Brischke, Christian | Batista, Djeison C.
The appearance of wood, including its color and texture, is one of the most important features for its application as solid products, such as furniture, cladding, and terrace decking. Weathering can cause significant changes in the color of wooden products in outdoor applications, influencing their market acceptance and long-term performance. This study evaluated the colorimetric performance of four temperate-climate wood species (Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris – heartwood and sapwood, Fagus sylvatica, and Robinia pseudoacacia) exposed to natural weathering under tropical climate (Aw) conditions in Southeastern Brazil, for 52 weeks. Ten replicate specimens per wood species were tested, measuring 25 x 50 x 150 mm. The wood color was measured using the CIE-L*a*b* system using a portable spectrophotometer. We measured the colorimetric parameters lightness (L*), red-green (a*), and yellow-blue (b*) chromaticity coordinates, which were used to calculate the colour difference (?E). Wood colour monitoring was carried out weekly during the first four months of testing. Subsequently, measurements were taken at four-week intervals. Wood colour monitoring was carried out weekly during the first four months of testing. Subsequently, measurements were taken at four-week intervals. A noticeable colour change of all temperate species was detected after five weeks of outdoor exposure. The colour of Pinus sylvestris heartwood was the most stable. We highlight that the temperate species were tested under severe conditions because no protective finishing was applied on the specimens’ surface. Thus, for further studies, it is planned to expose also specimens with a surface finish, such as varnish.
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