Phenylboronic acid (PBA) treatment was incorporated with vapor phase formalization (VPF) in order to increase dimensional stability and boron fixation as well as enhancement of biological resistance. Five and ten hours VPF were applied after PBA treatment as 0.34, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00% concs. aqueous solutions. Anti swelling efficiency (ASE) attended to 71% in specimens impregnated with 0.50% PBA solution followed by five hour VPF. Leachability test results were supportive to presume a possible chemical bonding of PBA and formaldehyde. Decay test results indicated that formalization imparts superior properties to PBA treated wood against test fungi Tyromyces palustris and Coriolus versicolor, each as brown- and white-rot fungus, respectively. Fungal attack was completely inhibited with five hours of VPF and PBA treatment at the lowest loading level in the study. Shorter formalization seems also appropriate to attain the required fungicidal effectiveness with a little amount of PBA retention. Weight loss caused by Formosan termite Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki could be lowered by PBA-VPF treatment system, in addition to considerable increase in termite mortality.

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