The effect of of sorbitol on the decay of boric acid treated Scots pine

IRG/WP 1509

J D Lloyd, D J Dickinson, R J Murphy

The tetra-hydroxy borate ion is known to undergo complexation with polyols of biological importance and probably protects treated timber by this action. The inhibitory effect of boric acid upon fungal growth and dehydrogenases has been shown to be prevented by the addition of certain polyols. This work was extended, with a study of the effects of a polyol on the performance of boric acid in treated wood. It was found that the addition of sorbitol to boric acid treatments of wood, produced a dramatic reduction in the protection against decay, when compared to treatments containing no sorbitol. The results gained in this investigation were found to substantiate the theory of borate ion/polyol complexation being responsible for the protection of boron treated timber.


Keywords: BORIC ACID; CONIOPHORA PUTEANA; CORIOLUS VERSICOLOR; INHIBITION; COMPLEXATION; DECAY; PINUS SYLVESTRIS; POLYOLS; SORBITOL

Conference: 91-05-20/24 Kyoto, Japan


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