The new edition of this comprehensive study of national and international research and application into wood preservation is both well detailed and broad in coverage. The text covers the history of preservation: the anatomy of timbers and their breakdown, preservation principles, materials and methods.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An in-depth examination of deterioration caused by fungi and other microorganisms, Wood Microbiology explores the major damages to wood and wood products during growth, harvesting, storage, and conversion to finished lumber. The characteristics, causes, detection, effects, and control measures for wood damage are stressed. - Reviews characteristics, classification, and metabolism of fungi responsible for wood deterioration and discoloration - Examines the anatomical, structural, and chemical features of decay - Covers effects of decay on physical and structural properties of wood - Presents methods for preventing biodegradation and for preserving wood - Extensively classroom tested--suitable for a two-quarter or one-semester course - Each chapter contains a summary and detailed references

Wood is an advantageous building material in many respects, but it is biodegradable and therefore requires protection when used in highly hazardous applications. This Special Issue comprises 19 papers by authors from 14 countries in Asia, North America and Europe. They represent a wide range of aspects related to wood protection and wood preservation, and give timely examples of research activities that can be observed around the globe. Several authors reported on the processes of thermal modification and different chemical wood modification techniques, which are among the latest alternative wood protection methods without the use of biocides. New preservatives and assessment methods of preservative-treated wood products are presented, as well as studies on the natural durability of wood, fire-retardant treated wood, the effect of concrete on wood durability and different novel surface modification techniques using plasma. In addition to biological durability, the mechanical properties, moisture performance, bonding properties, weathering stability and the corrosiveness of differently treated wood are investigated and reported within this Special Issue. Examples of research on fungal biology, service life planning with wood and test methodology are also included and complete the Special Issue.