A theoretical-industrial correlation and perspective on copper-based wood preservatives - a review of thermodynamic and kinetic aspects on copper-wood fixation mechanism

IRG/WP 09-30499

R Craciun, M Maier, J Habicht

Copper was and it will continue to remain one of the key active component in wood protection industry. Over the past decades, a significant effort from R&D teams in industry, academia and research institutes was directed toward understanding the copper-wood fixation mechanism, optimising the copper retentions in the wood and reduce leaching in order to maximized performance, prolong the lifetime of the treated wood and protect the environment. Significant understanding of copper fixation was achieved in the CCA system, but there are still many uncertainties and grey areas for the newer systems based on copper. Various studies dealing with copper-based systems discussed possible ways to enhance the copper fixation process by either treatment process optimization (e.g. steaming or heating) or by modifying the treatment solution using reactive additives (significant patent activity in this area both from industry and academia). The aim of this study is to review some of the key recent developments and findings on copper fixation mechanism and, starting from a theoretical point of view (thermodynamic and kinetics aspects), identify new possible routes to understand and improve copper-wood fixation in the copper based systems and discuss them also from an industrial/business perspective. The study is also trying to find compelling correlations between various physical and chemical factors and treatment or product parameters which can influence the kinetics of the impregnation process or shift the thermodynamic equilibrium of the copper treatment of wood toward a better copper fixation. The industrial feasibility of these approaches will be reviewed and discussed. As concluding remarks, the study could offer a basis for discussions, new scientific studies, practical and viable approaches to be taken by the wood preservation industry, capable to better understand the copper-wood fixation mechanism, ultimately improving and optimizing the treatment process of wood, and protecting the environment.


Keywords: copper, copper fixation mechanism, wood preservation

Conference: 09-05-24/28 Beijing, China


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