Douglas fir lumber, diffusion treated with concentrated sodium octaborate solutions, was tested against Coptotermes formosanus in an above ground field test wherein the samples were not exposed to a direct leaching hazard during the test period. After 2.5 years exposure, the untreated control samples were almost completely destroyed while poorly treated controls pressure treated with chromated copper arsenate had suffered only slight termite damage. Samples diffusion treated with 25% and 30% BAE solutions of sodium octaborate and held for an eight week diffusion period were subject to severe degradation from termite attack. The test methodology, treatment parameters, results and planned follow-up studies are described.

Download document (624 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document