Biodegradable methods of impregnating paperboard for its use as a building material.

Paper and cardboard elements can be used as a pro-ecological building material. To meet the safety and usage requirements paper elements need to be impregnated, however, most impregnation methods have a negative impact on the environmental performance of the elements. This article describes research that was conducted in order to determine the most effective technique of paperboard impregnation against water and humidity. Particular attention was given to biodegradable coatings, as several oil-based and wax-based wood impregnates were used. The samples were tested for 24 hours in immersion and for 48 hours in high air humidity. Water uptake (measured by the change in mass and thickness), delamination and deformation of samples were monitored. As a result, the basic characteristic of the tested impregnation methods was established – water and water vapour absorption, deformation or delamination after immersion. The lowest water and water vapour absorption was observed in samples impregnated with composed coatings of oils and waxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]