Wood preservation

Abstract

When wood is exposed to various environmental conditions, many degradation reactions (biological, ultraviolet, mechanical, moisture, and chemical) can occur. To protect wood from biological degradation, chemical preservatives are applied by nonpressure or pressure treatment. Penetration and retention of a chemical depend upon the wood species and the amount of heartwood (more difficult to treat) or sapwood (easier to treat). The objective of adding preservatives is to achieve long-term effectiveness for the wood product, thus sequestering (capturing and storing) carbon.

Citation

Ibach, Rebecca E. 2003. Wood preservation. McGraw-Hill yearbook of science & technology 2003. New York : McGraw-Hill, c2003: pages 469-471.