Performance of preservative-treated timber against biodeterioration in Indian waters
IRG/WP 4106
L N Santhakumaran, J C Jain, M C Tewari
Results on the investigation on the durability of panels of 32 timber species, pressure-treated with various preservatives and exposed along the Indian coast for varying periods upto a maximum of 15 years, are summarised. Panels of even non-durable timber gave excellent results against biodeterioration after treatment. Their life was comparable to that of treated durable timber. The preservative treatment enhanced their service lifes several times more than in their natural condition. Creosant, CCA, pure creosote, creosote-fuel oil and creosote-coal tar mixtures were found very efficient preservatives in retarding borer damage. reasons for the premature failure of some treated panels, such as degradation of preservatives due to variable leaching rate, difference in the predominant types of borers prevalent at various stations investigated and also the effect of fouling and pollution on borer infestation, have also been discussed.