Graphene-Enriched Acrylic Paint to Preserve Wood Substrates from Trametes versicolor

Fungal decay poses a significant threat and causes substantial economic losses worldwide. Graphene is a nanomaterial with positive results in improving paints and finishes, eventually protecting the substrates from damages, including fire and wood-decay fungi. This study investigated the effectiveness of graphene in an acrylic paint to protect unheated and thermally modified wood substrates from Trametes versicolor. Three commercial wood species were coated with either plain or graphene-enriched paints; a separate set of specimens was prepared for thermal modification at 185 °C. Exposure to T. versicolor was carried out for four months, and the impact of fungal degradation was evaluated through mass loss and a mechanical property. Incorporation of graphene markedly reduced mass loss in both unheated and thermally modified specimens; it also improved the compression strength compared with the controls, demonstrating its dual protective and reinforcing effects. These results highlighted the potential of graphene as an efficient and practical additive in acrylic paints, offering a viable and easy-to-apply method for protection of hardwood and softwood substrates against fungal biodeterioration.