In situ, in vitro and in silico analysis of coating performance

Service life prediction (SLP) is a complex yet essential method for analysing coating performance. Accurate and precise assessment is crucial for a strong position on the market. Correct knowledge of the critical failure points, maintenance/replacement frequency and related costs are part of this approach. This paper describes the scale-dependent tools within a bio-engineering framework that are applied for coating research, ranging from modelling, X-ray tomography, lab testing, controlled fungal infestation up to continuous moisture set-ups and large-scale window frame weathering. Standard service life prediction (SLP) relies on the correlation between natural weathering and accelerated ageing and the adaption of parameters when correlation is insufficient. Basically, this amounts to the use of an accelerated device such as a UV cabinet or similar and comparing colour, gloss, water absorption and other parameters before and after several weathering cycles with the results of an outdoor set-up. A next step in the development of a reliable SLP methodology is the incorporation of a dose accumulation/damage function in order to estimate the dose response of the material regarding its susceptibility towards weathering. This paper elaborates on the tools that are available within the framework of a bio-engineering laboratory of wood technology, covering in situ (outdoor) set-ups, in vitro (laboratory) experiments and in silico (computer) simulations and calculations.