Continued Evaluation of Mold Treatments for Wood Based Military Packaging in Storage
| Authors: | Rachel A. Arango, Grant T. Kirker, Katie M. Ohno, Amy B. Bishell, Patrick Dewald |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | Paper |
| Station: | Forest Products Laboratory |
| Source: | American Wood Protection Association |
Abstract
The U.S. Army depends heavily on wood packaging materials (WPMs) for the storage and transport of ammunition, yet these materials are highly susceptible to mold growth under the damp, poorly ventilated conditions of the buildings used for storage. Despite wooden ammunition boxes being treated to military specifications, mold growth persists and, therefore, there is a need for improved evaluation methods for mold prevention. This project adapted the full-size commodity termite test (AWPA E21-18) into a field-based mold exposure setup. It was intended to replicate the high‑moisture conditions in military earthen bunkers where WPMs on pallets are stored directly on concrete but at a smaller scale. This approach provides a means to assess wood treatments and moldicide additives off-site with the intent to improve durability and performance of military WPMs.