Wettability of keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.) wood after weathering under tropical climate

Exposure of unprotected wood to weathering can increase the wettability of the wood and the exposure period should be carefully monitored to preserve surface quality from severe deterioration. This study investigated the wettability of keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.) wood after weathering exposure for 1-4 weeks. The keruing samples were first planed and coated at the edges prior to expose under tropical climate. Contact angle, crack formation and lignin content of the samples were recorded on weekly basis. The results showed that the wettability of weathered keruing wood increased tremendously (i.e., 32%) after 4 weeks of exposure compared to control samples. The increase in wettability can be associated with the increase in crackformation and reduction of lignin content after exposure. It is hereby recommended that keruing wood is not suitable to be exposed to weather for more than 3 weeks before finishing or coating is applied on its surface.