Abstract: Water-borne preservative salts are used to impregnate wood by the empty-cell pressure impregnation method without the precipitation of water-borne salts such as chromium, copper and arsenic when wood sugars enter the treating solution during the kickback or pressure release phase of the empty-cell cycle. The lack of precipitation is obtained by maintaining the preservative salts solution at a temperature between about 40.degree. F. and about 70.degree. F.

Abstract: Wood is preserved with a water-based treating solution containing a halogenated phenol wood preservative such as pentachlorophenol, a phenolic resin prepolymer such as a phenol formaldehyde prepolymer, and a coupling or solubilizing agent for enhancing the water compatibility of the various ingredients. The treatment is carried out by exposing the wood, while submerged in the treating solution, so one or more cycles of reduced pressure (i.e. vacuum) and elevated pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the chemical treatment of woods, which comprises introducing a chemical solution into a pressure vessel charged with wood so that the wood is entirely dipped in the chemical solution, heating the chemical solution to a temperature within the range not causing high temperature troubles in the wood, and elevating the pressure in the pressure vessel above the saturated steam pressure to cause the chemical solution to permeate into the wood.According to this method, the chemical permeation treatment can be accomplished in a very short time at a low temperature not causing high temperature troubles in woods. Furthermore, the preliminary boiling treatment, which is indispensable in the conventional method, can be omitted.

Abstract: Wood is preserved with a water-based treating solution containing a halogenated phenol wood preservative such as pentachlorphenol, a phenolic resin prepolymer such as a phenol formaldehyde prepolymer, and a coupling or solubilizing agent for enhancing the water compatibility of the various ingredients. The treatment is carried out by exposing the wood, while submerged in the treating solution, so one or more cycles of reduced pressure (i.e. vacuum) and elevated pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides an in-line method of impregnating a porous article, particularly a metal casting, which comprises placing the article on a support, placing a cover thereover in sealing relation with support to define an impregnation chamber, applying a reduced pressure to the cover at the upper part thereof, admitting impregnant to the chamber until it at least covers the pores, allowing the pressure to rise to substantially atmospheric, removing excess impregnant from the chamber, and removing the cover from the support. Such a method permits impregnation using a conveyor line system.

Abstract: This invention relates to new and improved chlorinated phenol water soluble wood treating compositions and methods for preservation of wood or products made from wood. In the general practice of this invention, wooden objects are treated with water soluble wood treating and preserving solutions consisting of blends of from 0.1% to about 50% by weight of a chlorophenol selected from a group consisting of pentachlorophenol and tetrachlorophenol and mixtures thereof, from about 1% to about 97% by weight aliphatic alcohols having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof, from about 0.2% to about 35% of a fatty acid amine oxide or a mixture of fatty acid amine oxides and other amines, and from about 1% to about 97% by weight water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing modified wood, comprising the successive steps of impregnating a wood in two stages, using phenolic alcohols at the first stage and fire retardants at the second stage, drying it, and heat treating to obtain the end product, with the heat treatment performed, in one of the embodiments, in a hydrophilic heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in the preservative treatment and/or drying or coloring of wood. The apparatus consists of an enclosed vessel which is divided into two chambers by an intermediate wall portion. Wood to be treated is placed in one chamber in a treatment liquid, with the liquid passing into the second chamber by passing over said intermediate wall portion.

Abstract: The amount of vapor of a halogenated phenol released by wood treated with the halogenated phenol is reduced by contacting the treated wood with an organic compound having cationic groups capable of forming a water-insoluble halogenated phenoxide salt. For example, contacting pentachlorophenol treated wood with a quaternary ammonium such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride significantly reduces the release of pentachlorophenol vapors from the wood.

Abstract: Method and composition for simultaneously coloring and preserving wood by a single application of a contacting solution comprising any one of several known water soluble chemical preservatives containing any or all of the following heavy metals: copper, chromium and zinc, to which preservative solution has been added one or more specific naphthalene or benzene derivative compounds having hydroxy, amino or sulfonic acid functional groups attached to a ring carbon atom. Without departing from the teachings of this invention the wood may first be treated with the preservative solution and then contacted with the benzene or naphthalene derivative compound. It is also possible to apply the benzene or naphthalene derivative to the wood initially, followed by the application of the preservative solution.

Abstract: Fungicidal compositions comprising at least one organometallic compound of aluminum and/or boron, at least one divalent metal and at least one carboxylic acid group. The compositions are useful in preserving timber.

Abstract: A process for preparing plastic wood which comprises impregnating wood with a mixture containing (1) an organopolysiloxane having groups which are capable of condensation and/or containing SiC-bonded alkenyl group having an average molecular weight of at least 500 when the organopolysiloxane contains from 0.5 to 1.89 SiC-bonded organic radicals for each silicon atom and when the organopolysiloxane (1) contains from 1.90 to 2 SiC-bonded organic radicals for each silicon atom, then the average molecular weight is at least 20,000 and (2) an organic silicon compound having at least three groups which are capable of condensation and/or atoms capable of condensation and a maximum of 10 silicon atoms per molecule; and other substances if desired; and thereafter crosslinking the organopolysiloxane (1) having groups capable of condensation and/or containing SiC-bonded alkenyl groups, which is present in the wood.

Abstract: A process for flameproofing wood is claimed, which comprises treating the wood with aqueous preparations which contain(a) at least one water-soluble ammonium salt of a non-volatile inorganic acid, e.g. ammonium sulfate or ammonium phosphate,(b) at least one water-soluble cationic reaction product of dicyandiamide, formaldehyde, optionally an ammonium salt and/or an alkylenepolyamine containing at most 18 carbon atoms, or the acid salt thereof.Components (a) and (b) are applied in succession or preferably simultaneously and the wood is subsequently dried. The flameproof finish obtained is resistant to rinsing. The wood provided with the flameproof finish is used in particular as mine timber.

Abstract: A composition for impregnating wood with pentachlorophenol is prepared by dissolving pentachlorophenol in a petroleum fraction 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.

Abstract: Wood fibrous materials which are impregnated with one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of polyoxyalkylene glycol monoacrylates and polyoxyalkylene glycol, monomethacrylates, followed by curing the impregnated impregnant, are splendid in the dimensional stability and become good in other properties thereof.

Abstract: The surface of an impregnated wood material having deposits of a water-insoluble treating chemical thereon as a result of the impregnation treatment, is cleaned by forming an ammoniacal liquor in situ on the surface of the wood material, dissolving the surface deposit in the ammoniacal liquor and permitting the dissolved treating chemical to migrate into the wood.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of timber comprises a vessel having at least three chambers arranged in series for passage of the timber therethrough on conveyor belts or the like. There is means for drawing a vacuum in each of the end chambers and means for spraying the timber with a preservative liquid in an intermediate chamber, the vacuums being maintained during passage of the timber through the end chambers, by means of seals which are arranged to close and open automatically as the timber enters and leaves the respective vacuum chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the treatment of wood material impregnated with an aqueous ammoniacal solution of water-insoluble treating chemical and having deposits of treating chemical on its surface. The process comprises submerging the impregnated wood material in the ammoniacal solution, separating the wood material from the solution and maintaining it in a moist, ammoniacal atmosphere until the wood surface is substantially free of liquid. In another aspect, this invention relates to a process for producing wood material treated with the ammoniacal solution, where the product has a clean surface.

Abstract: Fireproofing of wood and the variety of hardwoods typically utilized in the manufacture of furniture is provided by a process of controlled permeation of a solution composed of a combination of a halide salt of a Group I or Group II metal of the Periodic Table of Elements and an ammonium salt which upon impregnation precipitates in the cellular structure of the treated wood. Controlled permeation of furniture wood to a depth of about 1/8 of an inch to 3 inches is provided by evacuating and expanding the cellular structure of the wood by utilizing a vacuum chamber, or a heat chamber for heating the wood to temperatures of about 220.degree. F. or a combination thereof to activate the surface and a portion of the subsurface of the cellular structure of the wood for absorption and adsorption of the solution of fire retardant compounds providing a controlled impregnation of the furniture hardwood.

Abstract: A rail comprising, an elongated wooden core, a weather and abrasion resistant protective coating surrounding the core in contact relation therewith, and a plurality of one-way valve like perforations in the coating for releasing vapor from the core through the coating and substantially preventing the passage of water through the coating toward the core, and the method of manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A wooden part of a structure or structural member, e.g. a telegraph pole, that is exposed to the atmosphere is impregnated with wood preservative by a vacuum impregnation process. The exposed wooden part of the pole is surrounded by a closely fitting, fluid-impermeable covering, e.g. a polythene shroud, and boundary edges of the covering are sealed to form a substantially fluid-tight enclosure. Air and any other fluid is evacuated from voids in the said wooden part of the pole and from within the fluid-tight enclosure and wood preservative in a flowable state is allowed to enter the enclosure and the voids in said wooden part of the pole until said wooden part is fully impregnated with wood preservative.

Abstract: A self-emulsifying anaerobic-curing composition is disclosed. The composition is rendered self-emulsifying by incorporating certain anionic and/or nonionic surfactants in a concentration range of about 0.25 to about 10.0 percent. The preferred anionics comprise the petroleum sulfonates and the sodium alkyl or alkylaryl sulfonates. The preferred nonionics comprise the ethoxylated alkyl alcohols, the ethoxylated alkyl phenols, and the polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene glycols. Any anaerobic monomer or monomer mixture in which the surfactant is soluble and compatible with the cure system may be used. These self-emulsifiable compositions have the advantage of being readily removed from surfaces by washing with water, which makes them especially useful in impregnation processes where uncured resin must be removed from areas which are difficult to wash, such as small, blind holes.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of fabricating wood composite panels having enhanced fire retardancy. The panels so fabricated have hard, durable finished surfaces which allow machine finishing without the concurrent loss in fire retardancy due to the finishing operation.

Abstract: A body, or stack of bodies, made of timber or of other organic fluid-permeable material is impregnated with an impregnant by introducing the body or stack into a receptacle of fluid-impermeable material through an opening therein, the flexible receptacle being supported by and secured (e.g. by springs) to a substantially rigid structure in such a way that the receptacle is held open for the introduction through said opening of the body or stack. The opening in the receptacle is sealed to form a fluid-tight enclosure and air is evacuated from within the enclosure and from voids in the or each body housed therein to cause the flexible receptacle to collapse around the body or stack. Impregnant is allowed to enter the evacuated enclosure and to flow through and impregnate the or each body.

Abstract: An agent for stabilization of a decorative finish is incorporated in a timber preservative composition comprising a preservative e.g. fungicide, insecticide or fire retardant in an organic solvent e.g. white spirit, chlorinated hydrocarbon such as methylene chloride or a liquified butane or propane for use in a double vacuum treatment of the timber. The agent may be an alkyd resin or colloidal pigment of a defined mean particle size, or both.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing an edge region of a plate formed of a porous material by means of a reinforcement agent wherein the plate is immersed in a bath containing a reinforcement agent. Air contained in the plate is withdrawn at least from one plate surface. Both plate surfaces prior to the immersion of the plate in the bath are covered so as to be protected against contact by the reinforcement agent.

Abstract: Marine fungal growth is inhibited and/or eradicated in wood by contacting e wood with obtusastyrene whose formula is: ##STR1##

Abstract: A process for treating wood which process comprises boiling the wood with a solution containing a surface active agent and an alkali, shifting the boiled wood to a pressure boiler, permeating the surface active agent and dilute alkali solution forceably into the wood under the conditions of pressure and heating, dehydrating it by applying reduced pressure to the wood, air drying or kiln drying the wood so treated.

Abstract: An agent for stabilization of a decorative finish is incorporated in a timber preservative composition comprising a preservative e.g., fungicide, insecticide or fire retardant in an organic solvent e.g. white spirit, chlorinated hydrocarbon such as methylene chloride or a liquified butane or propane for use in a double vacuum treatment of the timber. The agent may be an alkyd resin or colloidal pigment of a defined mean particle size, or both.

Abstract: Voids in an artificial or natural structure are filled with a hardenable material in a liquid or semi-liquid state by surrounding the structure or a part of the structure containing the voids by a closely fitting, fluid-impermeable covering and sealing boundary edges of the covering to the structure to form a substantially fluid-tight enclosure. Air is evacuated from the voids within the fluid-tight enclosure and hardenable material in a liquid or semi-liquid state is allowed to enter into the evacuated voids until the hardenable material appears at the openings of the voids in the surface or surfaces of the structure. The hardenable material is then permitted or caused to set. The covering may be formed wholly or in part by at least one closely fitting, flexible, fluid-impermeable shroud, which is preferably transparent. At least part of the covering may comprise at least one closely fitting, fluid-impermeable coating.

Abstract: A translucent panel is made up of one or more pieces of translucent wood. Each piece of wood is cut to less than one-half inch in thickness in the direction of the grain of the wood and is then impregnated with an initially liquid polymerizable material curable to a translucent solid. The influx of this material into the cells of the wood is induced by a sequence of intermiscible liquids, and/or by vacuum, with provision being made for the clearing of air bubble accumulation as the liquid displaces the entrained air in the wood. The absorbed material is cured so that the tubular cell structure of the wood is filled with a translucent solid, thereby causing the wood to become translucent. The completed panel is installed in proximity to a light source to form a light fixture.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for treating wood and other fibrous materials within a hermetically sealed, heat insulated chamber comprising means for applying a predetermined mechanical pressure to said fibrous materials, means for controlling the conditions within said chamber whereby steam is generated in the center of said fibrous materials, and means for subsequently removing said steam; means are additionally provided for staining, finishing, fireproofing, laminating, forming, shaping, and increasing the density and tensile strength of said fibrous materials.

Abstract: A method of preventing the deposition of preservative solids onto the surface of the material being treated from an ammoniacal treating liquor of the type wherein deposition of the treating chemical within the wood requires evaporation of the ammonia from the solution. After the impregnation treatment the wood is contacted with an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide in an amount and for a time sufficient for the carbon dioxide to combine with a significant amount of the ammonium hydroxide in the treating liquor on the wood to form ammonium carbonate and/or bicarbonate and thereby inhibit the loss of ammonia from the liquor for a time sufficient for the liquor on the wood to migrate into the wood.

Abstract: Unit loads of wood, surrounded by a small quantity of liquid, are impregnated in sturdy vessels provided with a cover. After or during an impregnation period under vacuum, the impregnation is completed by subjecting the liquid and the wood to pressure surges or impacts of such an intensity that the wood is deformed in the direction of length of the fibers or in the radial or tangential direction thereof within a range between the average pressure causing breakdown of the wood material and one-third of that average pressure. Intensity of pressure surges increases as the vessels are filled with impregnation liquid. Pressure waves may be produced by means of either compressed air, steam or explosive gas. A connecting chamber is provided for preparation and storage of the impregnation liquid.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of wood of all kinds to impregnate the wood fully to its core with a resin component system, simultaneously with, or without, a flame retarding agent, or preservative, the process involving enclosing the wood in a chamber, evacuating the chamber in which it is enclosed in a slow time cycle, related to the structure of the wood, while adding a prepolymer aqueous solution to submerge the wood, continuing the vacuum, securing the vacuum, and applying pressure of prepolymer solution until the wood reaches the refusal point and, in certain more dense woods, repeating the vacuum and pressure cycle; then completely purging the chemicals, evacuating the chamber and drawing a final vacuum on the wood for removal of surface liquid, and finally removing wood from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating work pieces in a closed space having a collapsible material. The treatment utilizes a period of subpressure and a period of pressure, in which cavities in the pieces are more or less filled with liquid. Prior to this the cavities are wholly or partially filled with a surface-tension reducing gas and/or solution.