Changes in Chemical Composition, Crystallizability, and Microstructure of Decayed Wood-Fiber-Mat-Reinforced Composite Treated with Copper Triazole Preservative

Abstract

Wood-fiber-mat-reinforced composites (WFMRCs) possess excellent physical and mechanical properties and provide high structural performance, making them a suitable engineering structural material. However, WFMRCs are susceptible to biological attack by fungi and insects when they are used in outdoor environments. In this study, the efficacy of copper triazole (CuAz) preservative treatment in protecting WFMRC against decay by white- and brown-rot fungi (Trametes versicolor and Gloeophyllum trabeum, respectively) was evaluated. Both fungi caused a mass loss in the untreated scrimber of more than 15%, while the CuAz preservative treatment reduced the mass loss to 5%. The measurement results show that CuAz treatment could effectively reduce the degradation rate of three major components of wood; inhibit fungal colonization and degradation; and improve the decay resistance of WFMRC. The atmospheric impregnation of CuAz preservative is more suitable for the material features of WFMRC than vacuum impregnation and can be considered for practical industrial applications. This study provides technical support for the protection and outdoor application of WFMRCs.

Treatability Changes of Radiata Pine Heartwood Induced by White-Rot Fungus Trametes versicolor

“…Chemical treatment is one of the most common protections to reduce wood deterioration. Studies have shown that wood has good resistance to biological decay after proper preservative treatment [5][6][7]. Generally, it is desirable to achieve a significant degree of penetration in order to provide long-term durability [8,9].…”

Durability Evaluation of New Composite Materials for the Construction of Beehives

“…Since ancient times, wood has been used as the base material for the manufacture of these structures [9]. As a result, it is common to find hives made of carefully cut and planed dry wood [10,11]. However, from environmental and economic perspectives, wood is a resource that is not sustainable.…”

“…However, from environmental and economic perspectives, wood is a resource that is not sustainable. This is due to its low durability and the accelerated degradation of the wood, which is caused by environmental conditions and the attack of pathogens [11,12].…”