Abstract

This study explores the effects of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) mineralization on radiata pine wood, focusing on artificial weathering performance, mold resistance, and mechanical and adhesion properties. CaCO3 mineralization demonstrated significant improvements in wood's resistance to environmental degradation, reducing color changes and inhibiting mold growth. Despite these benefits, the process showed limited impact on mechanical properties and adhesive performance. The study utilized a novel gaseous diffusion method for mineralization, which has been proven to provide effective fire-retardant protection at low weight gain. The mineralized samples used for the weathering, mold, and adhesion tests achieved an average weight gain of 15%, while those used to assess changes in mechanical properties and density 18%. The findings suggest that while CaCO3 enhances surface durability, further research is needed to optimize mechanical and adhesive properties, potentially integrating additional treatments. This work highlights the potential of CaCO3 mineralization for sustainable wood applications, offering insights into its practical implications and future research directions.