Biological properties

Rebecca E. Ibach

Treesearch

Biological properties

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Rebecca E. Ibach

Year:

2005

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Forest Products Laboratory

Source:

Handbook of wood chemistry and wood composites. Boca Raton, Fla. : CRC Press, 2005: pages 99-120.

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Abstract

There are numerous biological degradations that wood is exposed to in various environments. Biological damage occurs when a log, sawn product, or final product is not stored, handled, or designed properly. Biological organisms, such as bacteria, mold, stain, decay fungi, insects, and marine borers, depend heavily on temperature and moisture conditions to grow. A higher number means a greater decay hazard. The southeastern and northwest coasts have the greatest potential and the southwest has the lowest potential for decay. This chapter will focus on the biological organisms and their mechanism of degradation and then prevention measures. If degradation cannot be controlled by design or exposure conditions, then protection with preservatives is warranted.

Keywords

Insect pests, bacteria, wood decaying fungi, wood biodegradation, wood preservation, wood preservatives, marine borers, termites, beetles, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, preservation, treated wood

Citation

Ibach, Rebecca E. 2005. Biological properties. Handbook of wood chemistry and wood composites. Boca Raton, Fla. : CRC Press, 2005: pages 99-120.