Wood products used in exterior applications must be protected against biodeterioration. Traditionally, wood products used CCA or the older inexpensive organic biocides, but environmental, disposal and governmental regulations have resulted in a rapid and dramatic worldwide shift. This book covers the many steps involved in developing a wood preservative and gives overviews on modified wood, wood deterioration, worldwide trends in wood protections, and mold in homes.

The effective and lasting treatment of wood against insect and fungal attack grows in importance as forestry reserves decline and as cost increases feed through to the building trade and other timber users. At the same time, environmental pressures bear ever more heavily on the types of chemicals and processes employed in the preservation industry. This book records the proceedings of an international meeting arranged to address such issues. The 15 principal chapters are based upon papers by invited experts to a combined audience of preservation practitioners and non-specialists. The chapter sequence follows the logical pattern of the conference, beginning with a review of the biological threats to be contended. There follow historical and state-of-the-art accounts of aqueous, organic solvent and non-liquid treatment processes. Preservatives increasingly must meet international product and environmental standards, which along with the related test, analytical and quality control procedures, are described and referenced. Contributors from the wood preservation industry address a range of needs associated with cost, safety and performance efficacy, not neglecting a search for a better understanding of the finer chemical mechanisms involved. Remaining problems are outlined in strategies for further research and development. - Address a range of needs associated with cost, safety and performance efficacy - Problems are outlined in strategies for further research and development

Combining chemistry with techniques of preserving archaeological wood, these 17 essays are based on current understanding of the structure of wood and the mechanisms of its degradation. Topics include the chemical composition of wood and changes brought about by the decay process, biopredators, curing and preservation techniques, museum environments, and the ethics of conservation. For conservators and wood-oriented scientists. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The degradable nature of high-performance, wood-based materials is an attractive advantage when considering environmental factors such as sustainability, recycling, and energy/resource conservation. The Handbook of Wood Chemistry and Wood Composites provides an excellent guide to the latest concepts and technologies in wood chemistry and bio-based composites. The book analyzes the chemical composition and physical properties of wood cellulose and its response to natural processes of degradation. It describes safe and effective chemical modifications to strengthen wood against biological, chemical, and mechanical degradation without using toxic, leachable, or corrosive chemicals. Expert researchers provide insightful analyses of the types of chemical modifications applied to polymer cell walls in wood, emphasizing the mechanisms of reaction involved and resulting changes in performance properties. These include modifications that increase water repellency, fire retardancy, and resistance to ultraviolet light, heat, moisture, mold, and other biological organisms. The text also explores modifications that increase mechanical strength, such as lumen fill, monomer polymer penetration, and plasticization. The Handbook of Wood Chemistry and Wood Composites concludes with the latest applications, such as adhesives, geotextiles, and sorbents, and future trends in the use of wood-based composites in terms of sustainable agriculture, biodegradability and recycling, and economics. Incorporating over 30 years of teaching experience, the esteemed editor of this handbook is well-attuned to educational demands as well as industry standards and research trends.

Wood Deterioration, Protection and Maintenance provides an up to date discussion of the natural durability of wood, wood degradation processes, and methods of structural and chemical protection of wood. Modern active substances in wood preservatives and the relationships between preservative properties, the anatomical structure and moisture content of wood and protective processes involving pressure and/or diffusion driving forces are fully illustrated.

In recent years considerable progress has been made in elucidating wood decay mechanisms. This basic knowledge not only has the potential to develop alternative environmentally-benign wood preservatives, but may also impact other areas such as bioremediation and pulp and paper. This book will summarize the latest knowledge of the developments, potential impacts, and applications from some of the world's leading experts.

For decades chromated copper arsenate (CCA) was the primary preservative for treated wood used in residential construction. However, recent label changes submitted by CCA registrants will withdraw CCA from most residential applications. This action has increased interest in arsenic free preservative systems that have been standardized by the American Wood Preservers? Association. These include acid copper chromate (ACC), alkaline copper quat (ACQ), copper azole (CBA-A and CA-B), copper citrate (CC), copper dimethyldithio-carbamate (CDDC), and copper HDO (CX-A). All of these CCA alternatives rely on copper as their primary biocide, although some have co-biocides to help prevent attack by copper-tolerant fungi. These alternative treatments have appearance and handling properties‍?similar to those of CCA and are likely to be readily accepted by consumers. Prior studies indicate that these treatments release preservative components into the environment at a rate greater than or equal to that of CCA, but because their components have lower mammalian toxicity they are less likely to cause concern in residential applications. As the treated wood industry evolves, it is probable that a wider range of types and retentions of wood preservatives will become available, with the treatment more closely tailored to a specific type of construction application.