Non-biocidal techniques for wood protection become more and more important, nowadays. One of the possible treatments is use of water repellents. In the present research influence of, one of the possible water repellent, the montan wax emulsion, on the moisturizing and the sorption characteristic of impregnated wood was investigated. To achieve a better protection against wood decay fungi, montan wax emulsion enriched with boric acid, was used for impregnation of wood. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) during the adsorption and the desorption process at five levels of relative humidity (φ1 = 20%, φ2 = 33%, φ3 = 65%, φ4 = 88% and φ5 = 98%) was monitored. Water repellence efficiency was monitored in the chamber with high relative air humidity (87%) and during dipping in the water. Impregnated samples were also exposed outdoor in cowered position for five months. The results showed that the sorption properties of the impregnated wood are strongly related to retention of preservative solutions after impregnation and its compositions. Montan wax reduced equilibrium moisture content of the impregnated wood up to 25% while specimens impregnated with combination of montan wax and boric acid in some cases resulted in the decreased and in some cases in the increased EMC. The Guggenheim-Andersen-deBoer (GAB) model of sorption isotherms was fitted to experimental data to explain the sorption mechanisms.

Download document (322 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document