Mechanical and Optical Properties of Thermochromic Reversible Waterborne Primer Film on Tilia europaea with 1,2-Benzo-6-diethylaminofluorane Based Microcapsules

A waterborne thermochromic primer film containing thermochromic reversible microcapsules on the surface of Tilia europaea was prepared. The influences of different microcapsule concentrations on the reversible thermochromic, optical, mechanical and liquid resistance properties of the primer films were investigated. Not only were the morphology and structure of microcapsules and films observed, but also the chemical compositions of the microcapsules and films were analyzed. The results showed that for the primer film with microcapsules, the microcapsule concentration had a more significant influence on color difference. The primer film with microcapsules can achieve thermochromic reversibility. The temperature of color change was 32 °C and it had a good color recovery. The film gloss was negatively correlated with the microcapsule concentration, and the film with 5.0%–15.0% concentration had the best gloss. Adding an appropriate concentration of microcapsules can effectively improve the mechanical properties of the film. The film with 0–15.0% microcapsules had better liquid resistance to detergent, i.e., grade 1. The bonding form between the primer film added with microcapsules and Tilia europaea was physical bonding. This study provides a technical reference for the development of modern intelligent discoloration wood products.