Inorganic barrier for wood protection
Invisible against environmental impacts
Wood protection in both industrial and private settings is no easy task: environmental impacts and safety requirements pose a challenge. NP Liquid Glass offers a sustainable solution that increases the durability and safety of wood — without harming the environment.
In modern architecture and furniture manufacturing, wood is an essential building material. However, its natural susceptibility to moisture, pests, and fire stands in contrast to its advantages as a renewable resource. Technologies that overcome these limitations are in demand. The flammability of wood or its sensitivity to environmental influences limits its use in safety-critical and durable applications. Robustness in industrial halls, health, and aesthetics in the household: these areas require reliable protection. One possible solution is nanotechnology. Nanopool has introduced a new generation of nanotechnological surface coatings with NP Liquid Glass. Based on a liquid glass formula, it forms a protective layer at the molecular level. It is breathable and prevents the penetration of water and pollutants while simultaneously reducing flammability.
Effective against termites
This is proven by a remarkable application: NP Liquid Glass protects against termite infestation. In a field experiment in the southeast of Mumbai, two identical pieces of wood were buried near a termite colony. The wood treated with nanotechnology survived nine months under extreme climate conditions in pristine condition — despite drought and monsoon. The untreated piece was significantly damaged. Nanopool has further developed its product: it protects the fiber-based back panels of furniture from moisture and mold, all odor-free. All this makes NP Liquid Glass a long-lasting and environmentally friendly solution for the furniture industry.
From organic to inorganic
The liquid glass technology transforms the organic surface of wood into a non-organic surface. This is possible thanks to a glass-like matrix that envelops the wood, thus preventing its recognition as organic material. This transformation plays a crucial role in protecting against biological pests like termites, fungi, and mold, which use organic material as food. The change into a type of artificial mineral protects against decay and infestation, without the need for harmful chemical substances.
Protection through Liquid Glass
An example of its effectiveness is the treatment of wood structures in humid environments, e.g., in coastal regions, where high humidity often leads to mold formation. Wood treated with NP Liquid Glass shows significantly less damage and no signs of mold infestation. Given these properties, not only the construction and furniture industries rely on the inorganic barrier. The liquid glass technology is also used in the protection of historic buildings. Less maintenance costs, more environmental protection Transforming wood into a non-organic structure thus offers a new approach to wood protection. The method extends the lifespan and reduces the maintenance costs of wood constructions, without burdening humans and the environment. Thanks to NP Liquid Glass, wood can also be used in environments previously unsuitable due to moisture and biological infestation. Nanopool has already received multiple environmental awards for its solution. For the company, it is clear: The balance between technical effectiveness and environmental compatibility can set the course for future-oriented applications in wood surface coating.
Dieter Schwindt
nanopool GmbH
www.nanopool.eu
Excerpt from HOB, professional journal for woodworking, issue 4/2024
