Correlation and modeling between color variation and quality of the surface between accelerated and natural tropical weathering in Acacia mangium, Cedrela odorata and Tectona grandis wood with two coating

To prevent the photodegradation process, a wide range of coatings have been developed. This study evaluated wood color change (ΔE) and the surface quality index (SQI) generated by ASTM D-660 standards in wood protected with polyurethane and varnish finishes of three tropical species (Acacia mangium, Cedrela odorata and Tectona grandis) in two weathering conditions (natural and accelerated condition). In addition, a model was developed to predict ΔE* and SQI in natural weathering based on ΔE* and SQI from accelerated weathering. The results showed that the application of these finishes generated variations in the color parameters of wood before being exposed to the elements. Additionally, it was found that finishes generated increases in ΔE, especially the varnish type finish, and decreasing of SQI. Finally, models were found to predict color changes or surface quality in natural weathering based on color changes or surface quality in accelerated weathering. The model algorithm was expressed by ΔE* or SQI measured (X) and time exposure (t) in accelerated weathering by equation Y=β1+(β2X)+β3t+β4(t)2+β5(t)3. With these models, it is possible to predict the equivalence of exposure times in natural weathering in tropical conditions for different kinds of finishes in three tropical species.