Preliminary evaluation of new quaternary ammonia compound, didecyl dimethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate for preventing fungal decay and termite attack

IRG/WP 05-30375

S N Kartal, W J Hwang, Y Imamura

This study evaluates the decay and termite resistance of wood treated with didecyl dimethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate (DBF), a recently developed quaternary ammonia compound containing boron. DBF contains boric tetrafluoride as a counter ion in its chemical structure. Laboratory decay resistance tests were performed using brown-rot fungus, Fomitopsis palustris and white-rot fungus, Trametes versicolor. Treated wood specimens were also subjected a 3-week-termite resistance tests using subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus. Decay resistance tests showed that wood specimens treated with 0.5 and 1.0% DBF solutions were well protected from both fungi even after a 10-day severe weathering process, suggesting the adequate fixation of DBF in wood. DBF treatment at 0.1% concentration was efficient against subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki based on weight losses in both weathered and unweathered wood specimens. These results suggested that DBF could be used effectively to protect wood used outdoors against both fungal decay and termite attack and discolorations by fungi.


Keywords: Quaternary ammonia compound, decay, termites, F. palustris, T. versciolor, Coptotermes formosanus

Conference: 05-04-24/28 Bangalore, India


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