Wood preservation based on in situ polymerization of potentially bioactive monomers has been studied. Tributyltin oxide acrylate (TBTOA) and pentachlorophenol acrylate (PCPA) were synthesized. Wood samples were treated at 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight solutions with varying amounts of crosslinker (trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, TMPTM) and polymerized in situ in wood samples (2.54 x 2.54 x 0.635 cm³). Methyl methacrylate (MMA) also was run at the same concentrations as a non-bioactive monomer comparison. Soil block testing was performed on acetone leached samples using Gloeophyllum trabeum in a standard ASTM test for 12 weeks. TBTOA was effective at all levels except when using greater than or equal to 10% crosslinker concentrations. PCPA showed some efficacy with 0% crosslinker present, but otherwise it gave no more protection than the MMA controls alone. This is probably due to the stable ester linkage formed in the polymer. Further investigation is underway to synthesize and biologically evaluate new bioactive monomers at low polymer levels for wood protection.

Download document (1.1 Mb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document