SEDL / STP / STP691-EB / STP36123S

Effects of a Cold-Dip Treatment on Natural Durability of Wood-Base Building Materials Against Decay and Dimensional Change

Chow, P
Associate professor of Wood Science, Department of Forestry and professor of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill

Gerdemann, JW
Associate professor of Wood Science, Department of Forestry and professor of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1980

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Abstract

A standard ASTM method was used for evaluation of decay resistance and dimensional durability on 13 commercial wood-base building materials. Both treated and untreated specimens were exposed in decay chambers to Lenzites trabea and Poria monticola for 16 weeks. The results of the average decay resistance of untreated specimens indicate the importance of wood species and board composition rather than board type. All treated specimens exhibited excellent decay resistance and dimensional stability. However, the preservative treatment failed to retard the thickness swelling of particleboards. Phenol-formaldehyde bonded particleboards were dimensionally stabler than urea bonded particleboards in the decay chamber. Due to the inherent absorbability, specimens of fiberboards, particleboards, and plywoods appear to be more suitable for cold-dip treatment than those of lumber to protect from decay. However the decay resistance, dimensional changes, and absorption of solution all depend on the wood species, fiber structure, adhesives, panel construction, and specific gravity that made up the wood-base materials.