Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid preservative to wood or wood products has a work tank for maintaining a predetermined concentration of preservative in the fluid. The work tank is equipped with a heater to keep the temperature of the fluid and the preservative in the work tank at a predetermined level. Hot fluid and preservative is drawn under a vacuum, initially from the work tank. On filling a pressure vessel, a pressure pump then supplies the preservative and fluid mixture under pressure to the pressure vessel in which the wood or wood product is being treated. As the treatment process depletes the preservative in the fluid, through absorption in the wood, the depleted fluid is circulated back to the work tank where it is heated and more preservative is added to restore the concentration of preservative in the fluid to a desired level. The fluid, replenished with preservative, is then pumped into the pressure vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel stabilized borax based fire retardant system. More particularly, this invention pertains to a borax containing fire retardant system which is stabilized and resists leaching and oxidation when combined as a coating or an impregnation with a suitable substrate such as wood, plastic or the like. A stabilized borate suspension useful for providing fire retardancy to a substrate comprising: (a) a liquid polyacrylate suspension; (b) a liquid polytetrafluoroethylene suspension; (c) a borate powder; (d) a liquid vinyl acetate co-polymer suspension; and (e) sufficient water to incorporate components (a), (b), (c) and (d) to form an emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wood-polymer composite, particularly wood which has been impregnated with a mixture containing polymerizable organic compounds, and more particularly to a method for preparing a wood-polymer-composite by impregnating wood material and/or wood-based material with a mixture containing polymerizable organic compounds, and most particularly uses thereof.

Abstract: A process for treating wood and wood products is disclosed. Wood is impregnated under pressure with soybean oil or a mixture of vegetable oils with soybean oil, which oil is caused to polymerize within the wood. The polymerized oil is effectively fixed within the wood. The oil may be treated in advance of impregnation to initiate polymerization. Further, the wood may be surface treated with a more fully polymerized coating of oil. Pressure and vacuum may be applied in selected sequence to promote impregnation, and heat, blowing air, oxygen, Ultraviolet light, and other agents may be employed to promote polymerization of the treated wood within the pressure chamber during the impregnation process or outside of the pressure chamber after impregnation. Additional additives may be used to prevent pest infestations and the growth of fungi or to promote the migration of the oil into the wood.

Abstract: The invention relates to the impregnation of wood by a solvent-free melt of modified natural resin which is solid at ambient temperature. Besides the modified natural resin, melts according to the invention may comprise wax and further additives. The melting point of the wax is preferably above 80° C. The addition of wax elevates the softening point and reduces the viscosity of the melt. Melts according to the invention do not tend to discolor even at the given temperatures of the loading treatment so that the wood treated with a melt of modified natural resin mainly retains its natural appearance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing reinforced oriented strand boards includes steps of injecting melamine-formaldehyde resin or phenol-formaldehyde resin in finished oriented stand boards, of heating and pressing them to let the resin harden. As strands of woods of the originally oriented strand boards cannot completely closely bonded together, with many gaps remained, so injected resin can fill up those gaps and filtrate and wrap the strand woods to make the whole oriented strand boards having reinforced strength and fire-resistant property as well.

Abstract: Treatment and preservation of wood, wood fiber products, and porous surfaces with a solution of periodic acid or iodic acid is provided.

Abstract: The impregnating or extracting treatments of resin-containing wood substrate using a resin-soluble supercritical fluid as delivering or extractive solvent medium problems due to exudation of resin from the wood substrate at pressure release necessary before the termination of the treatment are avoided or reduced by displacing at least partially the supercritical fluid by a fluid of relatively low solubility in the resin before pressure release down to atmospheric pressure is terminated, thereby the total process time can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A method of preserving waterlogged materials and more specifically, preserving artifacts that have been submerged in water for long periods of time. A method of treating waterlogged materials that have been subjected to preservation techniques using polyethylene glycol as the preservative, and a method of restoring such materials from the deleterious effects of the glycol.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for pressure treating wood and includes wood which has been pressure treated by the process. The process comprises infusion into the wood of a solution in water of an anhydride or the analogous acid of an anhydride, followed by removal of moisture from the wood and the infusion of the wood with a molten waxy solid comprising hydrocarbon paraffins or saturated fatty acids. The molten waxy solid then solidifies, filling all voids in the wood.

Abstract: A process of chemically modifying wood by impregnating the wood, under vacuum, with ammonia gas; after removal of residual ammonia, and while under pressure, impregnating the ammonia gas impregnated wood with an impregnating composition containing dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic anhydride, partly or fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol and water. The impregnating composition may further and, preferably, include a water-soluble boron compound, such as sodium borate. In the latter case, the boron is resistant to leaching.

Abstract: Cellulosic materials, including dimension lumber, plywood, particle board, wafer board, paper, fabric and similar materials, were treated with sodium silicate (Na2O.SiO2) in concentrations ranging from 400-0.04 g Na2O.SiO2/kg water and the surfaces of selected samples were further treated with silicon oxide (SiO or SiO2) applied in a molecular to micron layer thickness by vapor deposition. Tests were conducted to determine the effectiveness of these materials in terms of fire resistance, durability, duration of effectiveness and moisture resistance. For sodium silicate as a sole treatment, flame retardance was found to increase as the concentration of sodium silicate in solution increased. To overcome the disadvantages of sodium silicate, sodium silicate treated samples were further treated by the deposition of a molecular coating of silicon oxide by vapor deposition. Samples treated by this technique were found to be completely moisture resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for pressure treating wood and includes wood which has been pressure treated by the process. The process comprises infusion into the wood of a solution in water of an anhydride or the analogous acid of an anhydride, followed by removal of moisture from the wood and the infusion of the wood with a molten waxy solid comprising hydrocarbon paraffins or saturated fatty acids. The molten waxy solid then solidifies, filling all voids in the wood.

Abstract: A method for treating wood products is provided wherein wood products are treated in an aqueous solution of a silicate, a rheology modifier, a wetting agent and, optionally, borax and/or a bacteriocide or fungicide; the aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9.0, preferably, a pH of 10-14, and most preferably, 13.0. A suitable dye can be added to the aqueous solution to color the wood product. The present invention is also directed to an aqueous solution for pressure treating wood and a wood product prepared according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A process for treating a wood substrate with a water-based formulation containing a wax in order to confer water repellency to the substrate comprising the steps of: (a) placing the substrate in a treatment vessel and reducing the pressure in the vessel to remove air in the pores of the substrate; (b) contacting the substrate in the vessel, while reduced pressure is present in the vessel, with the formulation to allow the formulation to flow into said pores, said contacting being carried out at a temperature at or above that required to cause the wax to change into a molten state; (c) applying a positive pressure to the vessel to force the formulation into said pores; and (d) releasing the pressure in the vessel and removing the resultant wood substrate from the vessel.

Abstract: A method for treating wood in which the wood to be treated is placed in a chamber in which a vacuum is produced, where the chamber is filled with a hardening product, in particular a monomer, so as to impregnate the wood by causing the product to penetrate the space between its fibers, where the product is hardened, in particular by polymerization. This method is characterized in that the wood impregnating operation is preceded by a step of controlled thermal treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for pressure treating wood and includes wood which has been pressure treated by the process. The process comprises infusion into the wood of a solution in water of an anhydride or the analogous acid of an anhydride, followed by removal of moisture from the wood and the infusion of the wood with a molten waxy solid comprising hydrocarbon paraffins or saturated fatty acids. The molten waxy solid then solidifies, filling all voids in the wood.

Abstract: A wood treatment process is disclosed in which in one aspect the wood is impregnated with a waterborne preservative such as CCA at elevated temperature and pressure. The impregnated wood and excess waterborne preservative are separated while the treatment vessel (8) is pressurized, for example by blowing the preservative out of the vessel at the treatment pressure using a pump (10). Kickback may be segregated from the wood once pressure is reduced after the separation of wood and preservative. In another aspect the wood is impregnated with a waterborne preservative and with oil, each of the impregnating steps being performed under pressure and the oil being heated. If the preservative is one such as CCA which is capable of being fixed to the wood the hot oil may enhance this as well as providing water repellency. The oil may be a process oil.

Abstract: A method for treating wood products is provided wherein wood products are treated in an aqueous solution of a silicate, a rheology modifier, a wetting agent and, optionally, borax and/or a bacteriocide or fungicide; the aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9.0, preferably, a pH of 10-14, and most preferably, 13.0. A suitable dye can be added to the aqueous solution to color the wood product. The present invention is also directed to an aqueous solution for pressure treating wood and a wood product prepared according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A sodium silicate polymerization method was used to incorporate sodium silicate and/or other water soluble inorganic fire retardants into an insoluble matrix. By using a vacuum/pressure technique, a water soluble sodium silicate/borate mixture was forced into the interior of various cellulosic materials, then was heat polymerized into an insoluble fire retardant matrix. This produced a dual action fire retardant material also with the following properties: moisture resistant, weather proof, and improved strength. Water insoluble forms of sodium silicate and borates have not been possible until now. This process and testing was then repeated with six other water soluble fire retardant combinations, making them similarly water insoluble.

Abstract: Application of vibration and/or compression to kiln-dried wood increases the retention and penetration of preservatives in the wood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzymatic process for treating a solid wood or laminated solid wood article in a liquid medium containing an oxidase enzyme, an impregnating substance and an oxidizing agent so as to fixate the impregnating substance in the wood, thereby enhancing the effect of the impregnating substance.

Abstract: Fire retarding and smoke inhibiting aqueous composition and a method for a one-step impregnation of aqueous-absorbable--and normally inflammable materials, such as wood, paper and textiles, said composition comprising ammoniumphosphates, phosphoric acid, water soluble metal salts with ability to form water insoluble salts with phosphate ions and/or ammoniumphosphate ions, and other optional additives.The composition comprises in combination:0.5-90% by weight monoammoniumphosphate and/or diammoniumphosphate,0.1-30% water-soluble metal salts with ability to form water insoluble salts with phosphate ions and/or ammoniumphosphate ions,1-20% by weight acid especially phosphoric acid (85%),1-15 % by weight dicyandiamide, andoptionally up to 5% by weight additivesin a total concentration of from 1 to 50% by weight with respect to the total weight of the aqueous solution, whereby phosphoric acid and dicyandiamide are present in the form of the reaction product guanylureaphosphate.

Abstract: The use of certain siloxane and silane materials for the conservation of organic and inorganic materials. More specifically, this invention deals with a method of impregnating organic and inorganic materials with siloxanes and silanes and ultimately curing such materials to provide preservation properties to such materials. An especially significant use of the method is to preserve and conserve ancient artifacts. The curable materials are represented by silanol containing polymers crosslinked with trialkoxysilanes.

Abstract: A method of preserving waterlogged materials and more specifically, preserving artifacts that have been submerged in water for long periods of time. A method of treating waterlogged materials that have been subjected to preservation techniques using polyethylene glycol as the preservative, and a method of restoring such materials from the deleterious effects of the glycol.

Abstract: An antibacterial/antifungal inorganic matter is composited with wood by impregnating wood with a solution containing a silicon alkoxide and an antibacterial/antifungal organic silicon compound having a hydrolyzable alkoxysilyl group, and subjecting the silicon compounds within the cell walls (inter- and intracellular) spaces to hydrolysis at various temperatures and polycondensation. The same is prepared by treating wood with a siloxane oligomer and curing the oligomer. The antibacterial/antifungal component is prevented from being leached out.

Abstract: A method of hardening wooden flooring blanks by impregnating the wooden flooring blanks with a hardener while the wooden flooring blanks are in a bundle, wherein the bundled hardened wooden flooring blanks have improved separation characteristics following completion of the impregnation treatment. The method includes the steps of assembling a plurality of wooden flooring product blanks into a bundle of blanks in surface-to-surface contact with each other and enclosing the wooden flooring blanks in a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is evacuated and an effective quantity of a hardening composition for being impregnated into the wooden flooring blanks is introduced into the pressure vessel. An effective quantity of a polyethylene glycol composition is introduced into the pressure vessel. The wooden flooring blanks are soaked in the hardening composition and the polyethylene glycol composition for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyl and polyether hydroxyl esters of fatty acids and polyether hydroxides are provided as waterproofers. These waterproofers are also combined with quaternary ammonium compositions and a solvent in waterproofing, wood preservative systems. Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds have chloride, hydroxide, carbonate, carboxylate, or borate counter ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waterproofing wood preservative system comprising a waterproofer selected from the group consisting of an alkyl amine oxide, an alkyl acetoacetate, and a waterproofing quaternary ammonium compound and a biocide comprising at least one biocidal quaternary ammonium compound wherein said waterproofing quaternary ammonium compound is a C.sub.12 -C.sub.30 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 aryl-substituted alkyl, C.sub.12 -C.sub.30 alkyl quaternary ammonium composition and said biocidal quaternary ammonium compound is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C20 aryl-substituted alkyl, C.sub.8 -C.sub.10 alkyl quaternary ammonium composition. Said wood preservative system offers protection against both biological and physical decomposition of wood, as for example, that occurring in long term-weathering.

Abstract: A process for treating wood involving impregnation of the wood with a preservative followed by the heat-fixation of the preservative in the wood using a pre-heated aqueous heat transfer fluid to effect the heat fixation of the preservative. The process particularly relates to steps which are taken to reduce the level of any contamination of the aqueous heat transfer fluid resulting from any wood extractives, any unfixed preservative and/or any particulate matter (i.e. "sludge") that may be present in the fluid. The contamination is preferably reduced by incorporating in the heat transfer fluid an oxidant which will preferentially oxidize any wood extractives resulting from the contact of the treated wood with the fluid without any significant reaction occurring between the oxidant and the preservative. Useful oxidants include inorganic chlorate salts such as sodium chlorate.

Abstract: A method of preserving waterlogged materials and more specifically, preserving artifacts that have been submerged in water for long periods of time. A method of treating waterlogged materials that have been subjected to preservation techniques using polyethylene glycol as the preservative, and a method of restoring such materials from the deleterious effects of the glycol.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of densifying lignocellulosic material such as wood. The wood is impregnated with a maltodextrin solution under vacuum and/or pressure and the maltodextrin is then cross linked to insolubilise the maltodextrin. A wood-polymer composite is formed. Suitable cross linking agents include compounds having at least one hydroxyl group. Maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent in the range 15 to 30 are preferred. The resulting composite material has improved appearance, hardness, impact resistance, strength and water repellency.

Abstract: A novel coating for waterproofing and sealing a rigid structural unit using a styrene polymeric film cast from an organic solvent is disclosed. The coating is easily maintained as damaged areas and imperfections can be repaired by simply applying additional liquid composition to the damaged area, and the liquid composition remelts the existing film allowing the newly formed film to be continuous. In addition, the composition can be applied to structural units in sub-freezing temperatures or to wet surfaces. Novel methods relating to the use of the liquid coating composition are also disclosed including application to wooden structural units as well as masonry or concrete.

Abstract: A process of treating wood to reduce the tannin staining of coatings subsequently applied includes the steps of providing a solution of a zirconyl compound in a carrier liquid such as water, applying the solution to a wood surface, and, drying the solution. The pore structure of the wood is modified or sealed so that staining of coating compositions applied subsequently over the surface is reduced. The process is particularly beneficial in cases where the coating composition a clear or a light-colored latex paint, especially white. The preferred zirconyl compound is zirconyl acetate. The treating solution may be modified by addition thereto of a lanthanide compound, especially cerium, to provide UV light protection to a substrate and further by one or more metal cations to impart mildewicidal activity to the composition.

Abstract: A method is described for preserving wood comprising infiltrating the wood with gaseous carbon disulfide and impregnating the wood with an aqueous solution comprising a copper source, and dimethylamine.

Abstract: A method for injecting a treating liquid into a wood or stone material. The liquid is injected in an initial pressure-applying/injecting step in which the wood or stone material is immersed at ambient temperature in a treating liquid under an initial liquid pressure of 1 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2, and maintained at this pressure for a period of time. Subsequently, the pressure is increased to a final pressure having a maximum value of 50 kg/cm.sup.2. Where wood is being treated, the pressure is raised in a plurality of steps of 5 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2 each, followed by a defined holding period. Where stone is being treated, the pressure is increased in a single step. Finally, the treated material is depressurized over a period of at least 20 minutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the hardening of wood material by impregnating it with a polymerizable substance and by polymerizing the polymerizable substance by means of heat. Heat transfer and cleaning in the polymerization have been improved through the impregnated wood material being in contact with water during the polymerization. The water is preferably hot and pressurized and serves at the beginning of the polymerization as a heating medium and during the polymerization as a cooling and cleaning medium.

Abstract: A full color three electrode surface discharge type plasma display device that has fine image elements and is large and has a bright display. The three primary color luminescent areas are arranged in the extending direction of the display electrode pairs in a successive manner and an image element is composed by the three unit luminescent areas defined by these three luminescent areas and address electrodes intersecting these three luminescent areas. Further, phosphors are coated not only on a substrate but also on the side walls of the barriers and on address electrodes. The manufacturing processes and operation methods of the above constructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for the fixation of preservatives in wood is disclosed which initiates the fixation process in the fixation vessel by the application of sufficient pressure to substantially obviate a thermal expansion effect of the treated wood; contacts the treated wood in the fixation vessel with an aqueous liquid heating medium preheated to a temperature of about 130.degree. to no more than about 200.degree. F. for a period of thirty minutes to about two hours; removes the aqueous liquid heating medium from the fixation vessel; applies a vacuum in the range of 10-30" Hg for a duration of up to about 30 minutes; and rinses the treated and fixed wood in said fixation vessel with heated clean water, heated to a temperature of about 200.degree. F.

Abstract: Fouling of marine structures such as boats by shell bearing sea animals which attach themselves to such structures, such as barnacles, is inhibited by coatings containing lipid soluble, non-toxic, biodegradable substances which prevent the animals from sitting down on the structures. These substances attack the nervous system of the barnacle, neutralize the glue extruded by the barnacle, and otherwise prevent the barnacles from attaching themselves to surfaces immersed in the aqueous marine environment while being benign to the environment. A preferred inhibitor is pepper containing capsaicin. The inhibitor is incorporated into standard marine paints, impregnants, varnishes and the like.

Abstract: Lumber, plywood and other wood products are preserved from attack by fungi, termites and wood-destroying insects as well as fire and flame by treatment with a novel zirconium borate-containing preservative composition. The preservative can be formed by combination of a source of boron such as boric acid and the water-soluble salts thereof with a water-soluble zirconium salt. The ZrO.sub.2 :B.sub.2 O.sub.3 weight ratio in the preservative composition is in the range of from about 0.75:1 to about 10:1.

Abstract: Wood and other cellulose-based products are preserved with a water-based treating solution containing a phenolic resin prepolymer such as phenol formaldehyde resin prepolymer, a resorcinol formaldehyde resin prepolymer and water. The treatment is carried out by exposing the wood or other cellulose-based product, while submerged in the treating solution, to one or more cycles of reduced pressure (i.e. vacuum) and elevated pressure.

Abstract: Wood products impregnated with from 30 to 80% of a polymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of hexanediol diacrylate and hexanediol dimethacrylate have excellent indent resistance. The wood products are impregnated with the monomer solution by placing the wood under a vacuum to remove air, contacting the wood with a monomer solution containing a polymerizable hexanediol diacrylate and/or hexanediol dimethacrylate monomer and from 0.5 to about 2 percent of a thermally activated free radical source as a polymerization initiator for a period sufficient to achieve the desired polymer loading. The wood is then heated under pressure to polymerize or cure the monomers.

Abstract: A penetrant composition for applying to and penetrating into weather exposed surface materials to prevent moss growth thereon is described. The composition is an aqueous solution containing Na.sub.2 O, SiO.sub.2 and a surfactant for increasing the permeability of the composition into the surface material. A method of protecting weather exposed surface material from moss growth thereon is also described. The method involves the steps of providing a composition including water, Na.sub.2 O, SiO.sub.2 and a surfactant. Approximately 1 gallon of the composition is applied per 100 square feet of surface to be protected. The composition is allowed to dry on and in the surface material at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for preserving wood against undesirable reactions caused by microorganisms. The invention also concerns wood preserved against molds, blue-stain fungi and rot fungi. According to the method, the wood being preserved is treated with a substance capable of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, whereby said substance is penetrated into the wood at least essentially deeper than superficially. According to the invention, such a substance used in the method is a complexing agent, e.g., EDTA, which is capable of binding transition metals contained in the wood, whereby the complexing agent is fast impregnated into the wood in a water-based solution, and subsequent to the impregnation step, the complexing agent impregnated into the wood is precipitated from the aqueous phase. The complexing agent can be precipitated by, e.g., lowering the pH of the wood, or alternatively, altering the temperature of the wood after the impregnation step.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of protecting wood comprising the steps of (a) treating said wood with a composition consisting essentially of (i) 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-3-isothiazolone and optionally one or more other preservative compounds; (ii) a surfactant system consisting of at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of sulfated anionics, sulfonated anionics, sulfosuccinated anionics, quaternary ammonium cationics, and amphoterics; and (iii) at least one non-polar organic solvent and (b) allowing said solvent to evaporate from said wood.

Abstract: A wood modifier composition containing a mixture of a water-soluble, low molecular weight chitosan substance and colloidal silica is disclosed. The mixture contains from about 15 to about 300 parts by weight of SiO.sub.2 per part of the low molecular weight chitosan substance, and may also contain one or more compounds capable of improving wood quality, selected from boron, copper, silver, aluminum, titanium, manganese and black lead. The wood modifier composition is preferably used as an aqueous solution having a pH of about 5 to about 12. The wood modifier composition according to the present invention can be used as a neutral aqueous solution having a low viscosity which can easily penetrate into wood cells and be safely fixed therein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to synergistic biocidal compositions that combine copper salt and an organic biocide selected from the group of tribromophenol, its salts and chelates, and sodium-omadine, its salts and chelates. Wood treated with the preservative compositions have improved fungi resistance.

Abstract: A process for impregnating wood and wood products wherein the wood is treated with a composition comprising;(A) a salt of an organic or inorganic acid and an organopolysiloxane which contains SiC-bonded radicals with basic nitrogen in amounts of at least 0.5% by weight of basic nitrogen, based on the weight of this organopolysiloxane,(B) a water-repellent active compound which is not solid at 20.degree. C. under 1020 hPa, with the proviso that the water-repellent active compound can also be an organosilicon compound which is solid at 20.degree. C. under 1020 hPa and dissolves under these conditions to the extent of more than 50 parts by weight in 100 parts by weight of (A), if appropriate mixed with an organosilicon compound containing basic nitrogen in amounts of 0% to 0.5% by weight, based on the weight of this organosilicon compound, and/or silicic acid esters, and(c) water.Wood and wood products treated with the composition described above exhibit substantially reduced water absorption.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a preservative for protecting wood against decay. According to the method wood is treated with a wood preservative capable of preventing the growth and spread of fungi, said preservative containing at least one complexing agent which binds at least a portion of those metals, typically iron and manganese, naturally occurring in wood that are essential to the growth of fungi. The complexing agents employed can be, e.g., ethylenediaminetetra-acetate, ethylene diamine-di-o-hydroxyphenylacetate a polyphospate or a siderophore produced by a microorganisms. The wood preservative used in the method is water-borne and specific to the decay fungi attacking wood.