Laminated composite based on polyester geotextile fibers and polyurethane resin for coating wood structures

• Published in: Materials research (São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil) Vol. 16; no. 5; pp. 1140 - 1147
• Main Authors: Assagra, Yuri Andrey Olivato, Altafim, Ruy Alberto Pisani, Silva, José Francisco Resende da, Basso, Heitor Cury, Lahr, Francisco Antonio Rocco, Altafim, Ruy Alberto Corrêa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: ABM, ABC, ABPol 01.09.2013; Associação Brasileira de Metalurgia e Materiais (ABM); Associação Brasileira de Cerâmica (ABC); Associação Brasileira de Polímeros (ABPol)
• Subjects: coating layer; ENGINEERING, CHEMICAL; geotextile fibers; MATERIALS SCIENCE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY; METALLURGY & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING; polyurethane resin; wooden structural elements; coating layer; geotextile fibers; wooden structural elements; polyurethane resin
• ISSN: 1516-1439; 1980-5373; 1980-5373
• DOI: 10.1590/S1516-14392013005000100

New environmental laws have restricted the use of hardwood trees in overhead power lines structures, such as, poles and cross-arms, leading companies to seek alternative materials. Reforested wood coated with polymeric resin has been proposed as an environmental friendly solution, with improved electrical properties and protection against external agents, e.g. moisture, ultraviolet radiation and fungi. However, the single thin layer of resin, normally applied on such structures reveal to be inefficient, due to be easily damage during handling. In this paper, we present a composite coating, based on geotextile fibers and polyurethane resin that is suitable for wooden structures. Results obtained from two different tree species (from managed and reforested areas) coated with the composite reveal that the additional layer not only provided a stronger adhesion between wood and ccoating layer but also a further improvement in the electrical properties and better protection against abrasion and moisture.