Preliminary evaluation of the incorporation of cellulose nanofibers as reinforcement in waterborne wood coatings

The wood is exposed to possible damages caused by weather, requiring the application of a finishing coat to provide extra protection. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the addition of microfibrillated cellulose in waterborne varnish on the colorimetric parameters, wettability and finish characteristics of wood products. Color was evaluated with a CM-5 spectrophotometer; surface wettability was analyzed by contact angle measurement using a drop shape analysis goniometer; and abrasion, adhesion and impact tests were performed to evaluate the quality of the coating. The coating’s optical characteristics were not affected by the addition of microfibrillated cellulose. The changes in wood wettability were small, with no statistical difference between the wood treated with plain varnish and that with unbleached microfibrillated cellulose. In the analysis of the variation of the contact angle during the elapsed time, the coating containing unbleached microfibrillated cellulose presented the best results. The results of finish quality did not show numerical changes after the addition of the microfibrillated cellulose, but qualitatively the microfibrillated cellulose caused better anchoring of the coating to the specimens. Therefore, the use of microfibrillated cellu - lose as reinforcement in coatings has potential, but tests with different consistencies and tests of other proper - ties are necessary.