The purpose of this study is to quantify the mobile copper(II) levels in micronized copper treated wood using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. A correlation between EPR and EDX intensities on mobile copper levels in a series of copper sulphate treated wood was created as a calibration standard. Laboratory treatments using micronized copper formulations were then carried out and monitored by EPR over 7 days. The mobile copper levels produced were visualized and quantified by comparing the EPR spectral intensities against the calibration standard. The influence of time on the variations in the mobile copper levels was also investigated. The amount of mobile copper was found to increase initially before reaching an optimum and then decreased slightly at the end of a 7-day monitoring period. Up to 2000 ppm of mobile copper was measured in the treated samples.

Download document (336 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document