Abstract: Apparatus for impregnating wood veneer with a liquid impregnant comprises a container having an upper chamber communicated to a lower impregnation chamber. A clamping mechanism is releasably engageable to a peripheral region of the wood veneer and is cooperably received in the upper chamber in a manner to suspend the wood veneer in the impregnation chamber. An elevator overlies the container and is releasably connectable to the clamping mechanism for lowering the clamping mechanism into the upper chamber to suspend the wood veneer in the impregnation chamber therebelow. The clamping mechanism is disconnected from the elevator such that the clamping mechanism remains in the upper chamber during impregnation of the wood veneer with liquid impregnant. The impregnation chamber is evacuated by a vacuum pump after the wood veneer is suspended therein, and liquid impregnant is introduced from a storage tank to the impregnation chamber about the wood veneer.

Abstract: A method of treating wood by impregnation of the wood with wood-treating-compositions containing compounds which contain elements selected from copper, chromium and arsenic (CCA) and oxyalkylene polymer additives provides improved properties to the treated wood, better control of oxyalkylene polymer distribution, and reduced leaching of the CCA.

Abstract: Halogenated hydrocarbon solution, water, and surfactant solution are mixed together; said mixture solution is heated for generating halogenated hydrocarbon gas, water vapor, and surfactant gas; said mixture gas is filled into a processing tank in which wood has been hermetically contained so as to permeate into said wood; and resin in wood is dissolved so that pits of the membrane of wood cells may be opened. As said halogenated hydrocarbon solution, used is methylene chloride solvent solution.

Abstract: A wood preservative composition includes a first solution having: a copper compound selected from the group consisting of copper borate, copper hydroxide, copper acetate, copper chloride, and copper sulfate; a zinc compound selected from the group consisting of zinc borate, zinc acetate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc chloride, and zinc sulfate; and/or a boron compound selected from the group consisting of boric acid and borax; sodium silicate, and a second solution having rare earth chloride or alkaline earth chloride.

Abstract: This invention is a method for the protection of wood and other lignocellulosic materials from attack by micro-organisms with the use of iodates. The method consists of treating wood or other lignocellulosic material by soaking it in a solution of iodate for a period of time ranging from three hours to seven days at temperatures between 20.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. The treated material is then removed from the solution and dried. Wood treated with this method shows resistance to attack by wood-degrading micro-organisms. Furthermore, the iodates are resistant to leaching from the wood and other lignocellulosic materials after such treatment.

Abstract: A method of treating wood to provide anti-stain and anti-decay waterproofing properties includes applying to the wood a water solution having about 1.3 to 2.75 weight percent of a quaternary ammonium compound, about 1 to 2 weight percent of a hydrated starch solution, about 2.5 to 5.0 weight percent of a slack wax water emulsion and about 90 to 95 weight percent water. The solution may be created by establishing a first mixture of hydrated starch solution, slack wax emulsion and water and subsequently admixing the quaternary ammonium compound with a first mixture. Preferred solid concentrations of the emulsions are provided. A wood waterproofing composition contains about 1.3 to 2.75 weight percent of a quaternary ammonium compound, about 1 to 2 weight percent of a hydrated starch solution, about 2.5 to 5.0 weight percent of a slack wax emulsion and about 93 to 97.5 weight percent water.

Abstract: A wood preservative composition which contains poly ethylene oxide along with poly vinyl pyrrolidone is applied to wood in a four-step process. In the first step, moisture and excess resin are removed from the wood. In the second step, the preservative composition is applied to the wood by pressure injection. In the third step, the container for the wood is drained and excess solution is transferred to a holding tank. In the fourth step, a catalyst, either heat or a low-pH composition, is applied to the wood to cause chemical bonding of the preservatives within and with the wood. As a part of the fourth step, excess moisture is removed from the wood by subjecting the wood to a vacuum to draw out excess moisture and then subjecting the wood to a flow of desiccated air which absorbs the moisture.

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: There is disclosed a method for the ammonia saturation of wood to impart flexibility thereto which includes the step of sealing the surfaces of ammonia-saturated wood with a polymeric film which has limited or no permeability to either or both ammonia and water vapor. Preferably, the polymeric film is flexible so the working of the wood product by bending, twisting, embossing, molding, etc. will not destroy the film. The polymeric film should also be soluble in a selected solvent, thereby permitting its removal after the wood has been formed in a final, desired shape to permit water vapor to re-establish crosslinking of the cellulose chains and restore its natural, rigid condition.

Abstract: A method of treating moisture containing wood including the step of exposing the timber or wood to a vaporous azeotrope of an organ-boron component and an alcohol at a temperature below the alcohol's boiling point. The organ-boron compound hydrolyses with the moisture to form boric acid in the timber or board.

Abstract: The process is particularly well suited to the manufacture of composite materials, where a fibrous reinforcement texture is to be impregnated by a densifying matrix, and comprises the steps of:preparing a slurry containing a solid charge in the form of finely divided particles dispersed in a carrier liquid, which preferably contains an organic compound,placing a substrate inside an enclosure,creating a vacuum inside the enclosure, andcausing the slurry to pass through the substrate by means of a pressure difference.Uniformity of charge integration is ensured by forcing the slurry to pass through the substrate several times, in successively opposite directions. The concentration of solid charge in the slurry can be determined as a function of an intended charge percentage by volume in said substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to wood preservation systems which employ impregnating agents comprising halogenated tannin extracts from plant species which are relatively more resistant to fungi, weathering, rotting, insect attack, etc. Materials contained within the tannin extracts are converted to halogenated substances which are absorbed by the wood species to be treated. The halogenated extract materials can be used with or without other treatment agents (e.g., fixatives or metal salts). Bromine is the preferred halogen material, with optimum treatment occurring when the bromine concentration in the extract exceeds about 2% (most preferably, about 4-5%).

Abstract: A one step process for imparting both decay resistance and fire retardancy to wood and cellulosic materials by impregnating the products with a treatment solution composed of a water soluble mixture of a tertiary and quaternary ammonium preservative compound and an organic phosphate fire retardant compound.

Abstract: Method and process using a supercritical fluid, with or without the aid of entrainers 1) to solubilize a monomer, monomer mixture or polymer which may or may not include additives and entrainers, 2) to carry the supercritical solvent mixture thereby created into the wood matrix, 3) to remove extractives from the wood, 4) to precipitate the monomer or polymer within the wood, and 5) to polymerize the monomer in situ in the wood.

Abstract: A surface treatment process for improving surface properties of a timber as to wetness by exposing the timber to a plasma mixture of an inert gas and a reactive gas at a near atmospheric pressure. Prior to being exposed to the plasma mixture, the timber is treated to reduce a moisture content below a fiber saturation point of the timber so as to eliminate free moisture from the fibers of the timber which would otherwise lead to unstable plasma and therefore detract an uniform improvement over substantially the entire surface expected at the subsequent exposure to the plasma mixture. Thus, the plasma treatment can be effected in the absence of the free moisture to obtain a desired surface improvement uniformly across the surface of the timber, which gives an enhanced practicability of improving the surface properties of the timber, in addition to that the plasma mixture is generated at near the atmospheric pressures readily available without requiring substantial vacuum generating equipments.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for accelerating the fixation of chromated-copper-arsenate (CCA) preservative in wooden articles. The invention particularly pertains to a process of fixing CCA in softwoods such as lodgepole pine, so that it does not leach. A process of fixing chromated-preservatives in freshly treated wood by applying moderate heat to the treated wood while initially maintaining the treated wood in a highly humid or saturated atmosphere, and subsequently maintaining the atmosphere about the freshly treated wood at a controlled equilibrium moisture content level.

Abstract: Oil-borne preservative-impregnated wood is post-treated by:(A) contacting the preservative-impregnated wood in a closed vessel with steam and collecting a water-containing condensate generated in the vessel;(B) applying a vacuum which is sufficient to reflux water condensate to remove at least some surface deposits from the wood and to distill water out of the vessel leaving an oil-preservative solution in the vessel;(C) releasing the vacuum; and(D) recovering the post-treated wood from the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impregnating a liquid such as a resinous liquid into wood, in which timbers to be subjected to the impregnation are placed in a presure tank which is capable of reducing or increasing the interior pressure thereof; the inside of the pressure tank is evacuated through a monitoring timber identical in properties with the timbers to be subjected to the impregnation, to expel the air present in the tank and the timbers; the liquid is injected into the pressure tank under pressurized conditions, while continuing the evacuation, to impregnate the liquid into the timbers; and the impregnation is completed when the liquid begins to flow out of the tank through the monitoring timber.

Abstract: Method and process using a supercritical fluid, with or without the aid of entrainers (1) to solubilize a monomer, monomer mixture or polymer which may or may not include additives and entrainers, (2) to carry the supercritical solvent mixture thereby created into the wood matrix, (3) to remove extractives from the wood, (4) to precipitate the monomer or polymer within the wood, and (5) to polymerize the monomer in situ in the wood.

Abstract: A shake fabricating process for producing roofing shakes from wood is provided. In accordance with the process a log is stripped of its bark and cut into bolts having a preselected length corresponding to the desired length of the shakes to be produced. The bolts are then cut in half, or in quarters, longitudinally to produce bolt sections which are, in turn, cut into boards having a preselected thickness. A plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves are then cut into the upper and lower surfaces of the boards to give the surfaces the appearance of being hand split, and the boards are cut diagonally from end to end to produce a pair of shakes which decrease in thickness from their first end portions to their second end portions. In order to achieve the desired wood colorization the shakes are then placed in a pressure treating chamber and a first vacuum is generated in the chamber for a preselected time period in order to draw a liquid pigment into the chambers.

Abstract: A method for fixing chromated copper arsenate agents in wood by treating the wood with a fixing agent selected from the following: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is the same or different and is hydrogen, phenyl or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R.sub.3 is (R.sub.4).sub.2 (HO)C-- or R.sub.4 OOC-- and R.sub.4 is hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl or pyridyl.

Abstract: A method for both preserving and coloring wood which comprises in a first step contacting the wood with a liquid composition containing a biocidally effective amount of a copper compound, and in a second step contacting the wood with a liquid composition containing a biocidally effective amount of a dithiocarbamate compound selected from the group consisting of alkyl dithiocarbamates, alkylene dithiocarbamates and soluble salts thereof.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of surface impregnation of wood articles with a plastic and to the resulting wood articles. The method includes treating dried, finished wood articles comprising the steps of degassing the wood to a specified partial pressure, soaking the degassed wood at atmospheric pressure in a diallyl o-phthalate monomer-prepolymer solution for a specified time and polymerizing in the range of 200-210 deg. F in a forced air oven. The cured samples can then be buffed to obtain the desired finish.

Abstract: Described is a method of treating wood using compositions comprising an organic solution (non-aqueous solution) of one or more lanthanide derivatives. Also described is a composition comprising wood and lanthanides or lanthanide derivatives. In one embodiment, the treatment occurs under vacuum.

Abstract: A method of coating embossed panels having embossed panel portions which are offset in generally parallel planes. A liquid accent coating is applied to the panels as they are moved along a predetermined path. A roll is reverse rotated to wipe liquid coating from the high points of the embossed panel surfaces, creating a high level of contrast with the relief portions where a greater amount of coating remains. The rolls do not wipe the steps between panel portions so that the steps are more heavily coated, to create a dark shadow line. Doctor blades strip coating from the roll, except in those portions that do not contact the panel steps. Vacuum removes excess coating from the stepped areas of the panels and also from those portions of the rolls not contacted by the doctor blades. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modifed wood material can fix within a raw wood material an insoluble, non-flammable inorganic compound with a highly efficient reaction achieved between cations and anions by sequentially immersing the raw wood material at least three times alternately in each of, and different one from that employed immediately before of a first water-soluble inorganic substance solution containing cations and a second water-soluble inorganic substance solution containing anions.

Abstract: A wood preservative solution comprising water, hexavalent chromium, copper and arsenic can be stabilized against precipitation by the addition of fluorine ion, thereby enhancing the useful life and safety of the solution. Fluoride salts like cerium fluoride, sodium fluoride and calcium fluoride are suitable sources for fluorine ion in such a solution. Wood treated with the preservative solution displays increased penetration, distribution and retention of chromium, copper and arsenic.

Abstract: Described is a method of treating wood with compositions comprising aqueous solutions of one or more lanthanide derivatives, whereby the composition is contacted with the wood under vacuum.

Abstract: A process of producing modified wood by impregnating dried wood with a mixed solution composed of phthalic anhydride as a polybasic acid anhydride and epichlorohydrin as an epoxy compound at a mol ratio of 1:1 to 1:30 by dipping the wood in the mixed solution, withdrawing the impregnated wood from the mixed solution, and heating the wood to a temperature of from 60.degree. C. to 180.degree. C. to simultaneously adding phthalic anhydride and epichlorohydrin to the hydroxyl groups of the wood. By the process of this invention, excellent dimensional stability and weather resistance can be imparted to the wood while retaining the properties specific to the wood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wood preservative comprising either(1) at least one of (a) ammonium monofluorophosphate and/or diammonium monofluorophosphate of the general formula (R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 R.sub.4 N)R.sub.5 PO.sub.3 F in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are identical or different and each denotes a straight-chain, branched or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated alkyl, aralkyl, alkyaryl or aryl radical, either unsubstituted or substituted by an alkyl, alkoxy or a hydroxyl group, up to three of the four R.sub.1 -R.sub.4 can be hydrogen or can together form an alkylene bridge, R.sub.5 is a hydrogen atom or a R.sub.6 R.sub.7 R.sub.8 R.sub.9 N group in which R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9, respectively, have the same meanings as R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, respectively, and (b) a mixture of a salt of monofluorophosphoric acid and at least one ammonium salts of the general formula R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 R.sub.

Abstract: An improved process for penetrating of difficult-to-treat wood with preservative liquids containing metal salts is described. More particularly, the improved process comprises the steps of contacting the wood with a mixture comprising(A-1) a preservative-effective amount of at least one hydrocarbon-soluble metal salt of an organic carboxylic acid wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, zinc, mercury, antimony and lead, and(A-2) a hydrocarbon solvent comprising at least 50% by weight of at least one petroleum distillate.The solvent utilized in the process of the invention optionally may contain one or more aromatic hydrocarbons. Preferably the solvent (A-2) will comprise at least about 50% of at least one paraffinic hydrocarbon having a boiling point above 130.degree. C. The mixture also may contain other desirable components in addition to the metal salts such as insecticides, flame retardants, colorants, fungicides, water repellents, etc.

Abstract: A wood preservative based on leaching-resistant, inorganic compounds for protection of wood and wood materials against wood-damaging insects and fungi, including wood-rot fungi, is disclosed. The wood preservative, which is fixed without chromium, contains as active ingredient in an aqueous solution which is stable on impregnation, (a) a Cu(II), Zn, Ni, Co, Fe, Mg and/or Mn salt of monofluorophosphoric acid, or (b) an alkali metal salt and/or ammonium salt of monofluorophosphoric acid, in the presence of a Zn, Ni, Co, Fe, Mg and/or Mn salt of hydrochloric, nitric or sulfuric acid and, optionally in addition to (a) or (b), one or more members of the group comprising NH.sub.3, HCl, HNO.sub.3, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, HF, alkali metal hydrogen fluoride and ammonium hydrogen fluoride. Alternately, the composition contains (c) an alkali metal salt and/or ammonium salt of monofluorophosphoric acid in the presence of a Cu(II) salt of hydrochloric, nitric or sulfuric acid in a Cu.sup.2+ :PO.sub.3 F.sup.

Abstract: The invention is a method for pressure treatment of wood using compositions comprising aqueous solutions of one or more lanthanide derivatives. Wood is immersed in a pressure vessel containing a lanthanide derivative composition, and hydrostatic pressure is applied. The treatment is carried out at temperatures not exceeding about 95.degree. C., and more preferably at between about 20.degree. C. and about 30.degree. C. Pressure should be greater than about atmospheric, and preferably about 10 psi to about 300 psi.

Abstract: Methods for impregnating the pores of at least partially dried wood with a phosphorus nitride, particularly P.sub.3 N.sub.5, to provide flame resistance are described. Preferably liquid slurries of the phosphorus nitride are impregnated into the exposed pores of the wood using pressure or preferably a partial vacuum in a confined space which removes air from the pores and allows the slurry to impregnate the wood. The liquid is then removed from the wood.

Abstract: Wood golf club heads are first subjected to a vacuum and then immersed in a solution of resin while under a source of vacuum condition. The heads are then subjected to an elevated pressure. The pressure is then removed and the heads dried. Apparatus for effectively carrying out the process utilizes a treatment chamber arranged to receive one or more of the heads. This chamber is associated with vacuum and elevated pressure supply apparatus to selectively subject the chamber to vacuum or pressure. A resin chamber is supported on top of the treatment chamber and has a valved conduit for controlling the supply of resin introduced to the treatment chamber.

Abstract: Accelerated fixing of chromate-containing wood preservative salts, in which freshly impregnated timbers are subjected to fixing with superheated steam, is carried out by a process wherein the freshly impregnated timbers are subjected beforehand to a heat treatment in which both the wood surface and the internal walls of the heating chamber are heated to 60.degree.-100.degree. C., preferably 80.degree.-95.degree. C., and the timbers are then treated with superheated steam in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A method and compositions for imparting flame resistance to exposed surfaces of wood by impregnating the wood with dimethyl(oxiranylmethyl)phosphonate (DMOMP) and a catalyst and then reacting wood surfaces with the DMOMP is described. The catalysts are preferably Lewis acids or Lewis bases. The resulting treated wood products are useful in applications where flame resistance is important.

Abstract: Wood that is especially suited for the manufacture of resonating bodies, is improved according to a process in which small amounts of reactive components of thermosetting polymers are introduced into the wood shortly before or during a heat treatment under pressure.

Abstract: A process for treating wood panels is disclosed where the panels are placed in a closed treatment chamber and the chamber then evacuated. This removes free formaldehyde from panel pores and produces a subatmospheric pressure within the pores. The chamber is then pressurized with an ammonia and air mixture with ammonia in the mixture permeating the panel pores and reacting with free formaldehyde. The chamber is then evacuated to recover unreacted ammonia.

Abstract: A method for the preservation of wood is disclosed whereby the wood is treated with an aqueous, alkaline solution of an alkylol group containing phenol.

Abstract: An impregnated soft, flat sealing gasket made by a process including the consecutive steps of preparing a gasket material selected from the group consisting of organic fibers, inorganic fibers, synthetic fibers and mixtures thereof and a binder; forming a fiber mat from the gasket material; impregnating the fiber mat with a cross-linkable impregnating agent and at least partly cross-linking the impregnating agent in the fiber mat; and adding to the fiber material, in a fine distribution therein, a duromer synthetic resin prior to the impregnating step and as early as simultaneously with the preparing step.

Abstract: A method for impregnating wood, wherein the wood (1) is placed in an airtight impregnation tank (2) from which the air has been evacuated, and which is subjected to pressure after the introduction of the impregnating liquid (17). The impregnating liquid is introduced under completely airtight conditions, whereby the liquid (17) is devoid of gas and air when impregnation takes place. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises an impregnation tank (2) for containing the wood (1), wherein the tank is provided with pipes connecting it to a storage tank (11) containing impregnating liquid (17) for supplying the liquid to the impregnation tank. In connection with the impregnation tank (2) and the storage tank (11), equipment for evacuating the air or other gas from the tanks, from the wood and from the impregnating liquid (17). In connection with the impregnation tank (2) equipment is provided for increasing the pressure in the tank, e.g.

Abstract: Low quality, low density woods are densified to form wood products having the characteristics of high quality natural hardwoods. A green solid wood member having a high moisture content is impregnated with anhydrous ammonia to plasticize the wood into a sponge-like form saturated with water and ammonia. This plasticized wood member is placed between press plates of a cyclic press and, while maintaining the temperature of the wood below 100.degree. C., it is subjected to a plurality of low pressure compression cycles each of about 1/2 to 1 minute duration with the wood being compressed to a predetermined thickness of up to 50% less than its original thickness. It is held at the reduced thickness for a short time and released during each cycle, whereby water and ammonia are squeezed out of the wood down to a moisture content of less than about 30%. The damp wood member of reduced thickness thus obtained is then dried to obtain a kiln dried, densified solid wood product.

Abstract: A wood-treating composition useful for the control of surface molds and as a wood preservative is provided. The composition includes a certain fungicide effective to protect wood against surface molds and compatible with chromated copper arsenate, a wood preservative. Also provided is treated wood having the fungicide and the wood preservative applied thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of impregnating wood in order to protect it against fungal decay. Conventionally wood has been treated with copper-chromium-arsenic preservatives in a one stage treatment, e.g. by impregnating the wood with a solution of these compounds. The chromium component serves to fix the copper in the wood to prevent it from leaching out. It has now been found that a two-stage treatment in which (1) the copper and fixative agent are impregnated without arsenic and (2) the arsenic is impregnated separately, improves resistance of the wood to soft-rot fungi. The invention is particularly useful for treating hardwoods.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable wood treating apparatus and method for treating wood is disclosed. The wood treating apparatus includes a generally flat base in which a water tank is contained. A cylindrical pressure vessel is located above the base. A pair of elongate work tanks are located on respective sides of the pressure vessel between the pressure vessel and base. A reagent tank is also provided adjacent the base in which a concentrated treatment liquid is contained. A treatment system is provided for treating the wood located in the pressure vessel with a dilute treatment liquid contained in the work tanks. The treatment system includes a make up system for making up additional dilute treatment liquid by mixing water from the water tank and concentrated treatment liquid from the reagent tank. The improved method of operation includes the forming of dilute treatment liquid which is pumped into the pressure vessel to pressurize the pressure vessel and wood therein.

Abstract: A treatment for wood poles, as used for telecommunications and electric power poles, to reduce surface hardening comprises modifying the standard treatment solution by the addition of a polymer of ethylene oxide. A surface active agent is a further possible additive, and reduction of the hexavalent chrome ion in the standard solution is a further modification.

Abstract: A process for producing the wood head of a golf club by impregnating a wood head workpiece with a resin to give durability to the wood head, the process comprising the steps of forming the workpiece so that the hitting surface thereof extends in parallel with internal channels therein, subsequently immersing the workpiece in a first liquid resin composition only at the hitting side to impregnate the hitting side with the composition at a high ratio and form a resin-impregnated layer of high impregnation ratio, thereafter impregnating the entire workpiece with a second liquid resin composition at a low ratio, and polymerizing and curing the compositions. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the resin impregnation steps.

Abstract: For use in strengthening of natural or artificial structures, e.g. buildings, monuments, ruins, there is drawn under vacuum into the structure a liquid of low viscosity and comprising a monomer or monomers containing some polymer which may be polymerized in situ. The polymer may be obtained by polymerization of part of the monomer or monomers. The liquid resin is cured at ambient temperature. Acrylates and methacrylates are preferred.

Abstract: A composition for impregnating wood with pentachlorophenol is prepared by dissolving pentachlorophenol in .[.a petroleum fraction.]. .Iadd.an organic solvent .Iaddend.at least 50% of which will distill above 485.degree. F., and mixing the resulting solution with water to produce a finely divided dispersion of the solution in water.