Summary
Several factors which influence the treatment of timber products with vapour phase preservatives such as borate esters are considered. Gas flow rate through the substrate was found to be a significant factor limiting both preservative penetration and its rate of deposition. A theoretical model of the treatment process was developed and tested experimentally to determine the influence of several factors on the retention and distribution of boric acid. Gas flow into the timber product was influenced by permeability, pressure gradient and substrate moisture content. The implications of the findings are considered with regard to the treatment of wood and wood products with gaseous reagents.
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The authors wish to thank the following for their financial support and interest in this research programme — Rentokil Ltd, Rhone-Poulenc/Manchem Ltd, Forestry Commission, UK and Ireland Particleboard Association (now Panel Products Association), Norbord Highland plc (formerly Highland Forest Products plc), IMPEL
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Turner, P., Murphy, R.J. Treatment of timber products with gaseous borate esters. Wood Sci.Technol. 29, 385–395 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00202586
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00202586