A microemulsion is a thermodynamically stable oil-water dispersion system. As a formulation it provides many unique features such as water compatibility for water-insoluble chemicals, formulation stability, good bioavailability and environmental acceptance. This paper discusses the major criteria for the formulations of water-insoluble wood biocides and the comparison in properties between conventional emulsions and microemulsions. Water-dilutable microemulsion technology has been developed at Rohm and Haas Company. Several such microemulsions for a broad spectrum wood biocide, 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, have been evaluated regarding wood penetration and leachability. The results indicated that the active ingredient has a deeper penetration in the wood treated by microemulsions than by emulsion and solvent formulations. The leachability of the active ingredient in this study depends upon the formulation components and will be further investigated.

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