Effects of artificial weathering on the surface properties of ultraviolet varnish applied to lemonwood (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.)

Ultraviolet varnishes are widely used for production processes in the parquet industry. A large number of chemicals are used in this sector, and each one has different characteristics. In this study, the effects of accelerated aging of ultraviolet varnish (3 and 5 coats) when applied to lemonwood (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.) (grown in Mezitli, Mersin, Turkey) were investigated. The ultraviolet varnish coated samples were subjected to aging processes (144 h, 288 h, and 432 h) by using UV-A 340 nm lamps. Color (L*, a*, b*, and ΔE*) parameters, glossiness (perpendicular (⊥) and parallel (//) at 20°, 60°, and 85°), and surface adhesion strength via the pull-off method for ultraviolet varnish coated samples were quantified before and after weathering. According to the results, the varnish type, aging period, and interaction between all studied variables, i.e. L*, a*, b* color parameters, glossiness (perpendicular (⊥) and parallel (//) at 20°, 60°, and 85°), and adhesion strength were found to alter the surface properties. As a result, the lemon tree can be used in the production of an ultraviolet parquet system.