Biological performance of wood-based composites treated with a formulation of 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate and silafluofen using supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract

Wood-based composites (medium density fiberboard, hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, particleboard, and oriented strand board) treated with a mixture formulation of 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) and silafluofen using supercritical carbon dioxide as a carrier solvent were evaluated for their resistance to biological attack in a laboratory study. The formulation was pre-pared by mixing 10 g of IPBC and 1 g of silafluofen in ethanol solution (20 ml). Treatments were conducted at 35°C/7.85 MPa, 35°C/9.81 MPa, and 55°C/11.77 MPa with the direct introduction of 20 ml of the formulation into the treatment vessel with a capacity of ca. 2000 ml at a rate of 2 ml/min. Laboratory tests indicated that the treatment conditions used significantly enhanced the resistance of the treated wood-based composites against fungal and termite attacks. Because no significant difference in efficacy against both biodegrading agents was noticed regardless of the treatment conditions, the treatment at 35°C/7.85 MPa was thought to be the most economical in terms of energy consumption and performance of treated materials. However, the amount of biocides in a formulation must be carefully selected in accordance with the required treatment condition to ensure satisfactory performance of the treated wood-based composites against any biological agent.