Abstract: The invention relates to a process for acetylation of wood having a density of above 400 kg/m3, particularly, of Southern Yellow Pine, and acetylated wood obtainable by this method. The described acetylation process allows the production of acetylated wood having higher acetylation levels, such as an acetyl content of at least 20% by weight. The acetylated wood has also a low residual acetic acid content, in particular, lower than 1% by weight. The invention is particularly useful for acetylation on industrial scale of pieces of solid wood, preferably, of wood beams.

Abstract: Finishing set for a floor covering, whereby this finishing set at least consists of, on the one hand, a finishing profile and, on the other hand, a holder with at least an attachment portion for attaching said finishing profile at the holder, characterized in that the holder comprises an underlay portion, which at choice can or cannot be provided underneath the remaining portion of the holder as well as a stop-forming positioning portion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions for wood preservation and methods of applying compositions for wood preservation. The compositions comprise nonionic surfactant mixtures and prepolymer. Compositions of nonionic surfactant mixtures and prepolymers can be used advantageously in methods to preserve wood by impregnation of the wood with preservatives at ambient atmospheric pressures.

Abstract: An additive comprising a phosphazene compound that has at least two reactive functional groups and at least one capping functional group bonded to phosphorus atoms of the phosphazene compound. One of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with cellulose and the other of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with a resin, such as an amine resin or a polycarboxylic acid resin. The at least one capping functional group is selected from the group consisting of a short chain ether group, an alkoxy group, and an aryloxy group. Also disclosed are an additive-resin admixture, a method of treating a wood product, and a wood product.

Abstract: Film having liquid-water, grease, gas and water-vapor barrier properties, comprising a PVA film grafted on the surface with a fatty acid.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include capped nanoparticles having a nanoparticle core and at least one capping agent including a biochemical constituent of wood or a woody plant or a derivative thereof functionally associated to the nanoparticle core. Some embodiments provide for wood products and wood treatment compositions including such capped nanoparticles, and methods for preparing and using such capped nanoparticles to produce treated wood or treated wood products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing insect and microbial decay in wood. The method comprises the steps of: a) immersing the wood in a treatment solution comprising i) a C1-C6monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (e.g., monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and ii) creosote; and b) exposing the immersed wood from step a) to conditions which cause the release of boron from the C1-C6 monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and which cause the boron to migrate into the interior of the wood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for pressure impregnating wood or wood products with a wood preservative containing vegetable oils, in which method wood is pressure impregnated with a wood preservative containing vegetable oil. It is characteristic of the method according to the invention that, before starting the pressure stage, wood is heated so that at least part of its inner parts heat to a temperature of at least 50° C. and that, after the pressure impregnation, vacuum is formed in a space surrounding wood and simultaneously the surface layers of wood are heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point of water for removing wood preservative from the surface layers of wood. The invention also relates to wood or a wood product pressure impregnated in accordance with the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions for wood preservation and methods of applying compositions for wood preservation. The compositions comprise nonionic surfactant mixtures and prepolymer. Compositions of nonionic surfactant mixtures and prepolymers can be used advantageously in methods to preserve wood by impregnation of the wood with preservatives at ambient atmospheric pressures.

Abstract: An additive comprising a phosphazene compound that has at least two reactive functional groups and at least one capping functional group bonded to phosphorus atoms of the phosphazene compound. One of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with cellulose and the other of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with a resin, such as an amine resin or a polycarboxylic acid resin. The at least one capping functional group is selected from the group consisting of a short chain ether group, an alkoxy group, and an aryloxy group. Also disclosed are an additive-resin admixture, a method of treating a wood product, and a wood product.

Abstract: A method for heat treating lignocellulosic material with a water-soluble preservative, such as preferably borate, involves the modification of the lignocellulosic material by heat to a moisture content of 0 to 5%, and preferably as close as possible to 0%. The thermo-treatment of the lignocellulosic material drives out not only free extra cellular water but also the intercellular and intracellular water. The process of modification by heat effectively kills the cells, permanently altering their cellular structure, and locking or fixing the preservative in the lignocellulosic material so that the water-soluble preservative does not leach out of the treated lignocellulosic material in the presence of rain water.

Abstract: A method for drying wood based materials includes applying a treatment including a first chemical, such as a solvent, to a wood based material. The wood based material is preheated using steam. At least part of an atmosphere is evacuated from around the wood based material. The wood based material is dried using heated using steam and is exposed to radiation to evaporate at least a portion of the first chemical.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining binder distribution on a sample in which a selected sample is contacted with a transfer medium in a manner such that at least 15% of any fluorescing binder present on the surface of the sample will be transferred to the transfer medium, a digital image of the transfer medium is generated and analyzed for binder distribution.

Abstract: Complexes of copper and/or zinc with hydrolyzed olefin/maleic anhydride copolymers were solubilized in ammoniacal solution providing preservative solutions that fully penetrate wood. With loss of the ammonia from the wood, the complexes were stably retained in the wood providing a long lasting preservative.

Abstract: Complexes of copper and/or zinc with molybdate and/or tungstate were solubilized in ammonia or ammoniacal solution providing preservative solutions that fully penetrate wood. With loss of the ammonia from the wood, the complexes were stably retained in the wood providing a long lasting preservative.

Abstract: Complexes of ibuprofen and copper and/or zinc were solubilized in ammoniacal solution providing preservative solutions that fully penetrate wood. With loss of the ammonia from the wood, the complexes were stably retained in the wood providing a long lasting preservative.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solvent recovery system and process from timber. Preferably, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to exposing the timber to a reduced pressure and a source of radio frequency energy. Advantageously the preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art which may include: “lower cost of production; “increased speed of operation; “lower environmental impact; and “more environmentally friendly product.

Abstract: Complexes of tropolone and copper and/or zinc were solubilized in ammoniacal solution providing preservative solutions that fully penetrate wood. With loss of the ammonia from the wood, the complexes were stably retained in the wood providing a long lasting preservative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating wood and other cellulosic materials to render the resistance to wood attacking organisms, such as termite, fungi and insects. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for treating wood with borate preservatives which contain at least one boron-containing component and at least one organic component capable of retaining impregnated borate inside the treated wood even upon contact with water. The organic borate-retaining components are lignin-based materials, alcohol-based materials, protein, and wood extracts.

Abstract: The heat storage capacity of natural cellulosic products is increased by injecting nucleating products and/or heat storing material into unfilled cells thereby increasing the amount of material that can undergo phase change for transferring latent heat.

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: A method of treating substrates, such as wood, including the steps of applying an alkali silicate solution to one or more substrates and applying an alkali borate solution with boric oxide (B2O3) content to the substrates. Substrates that have been treated using the present method include a borate-silicate polymer within the substrate. When the present substrates are wood, wood products, or green lumber, they may be used to build structures.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substrate in an enclosed vessel, the substrate having a surface portion; (b) at least partially filling the enclosed vessel with a first supercritical fluid so that said first supercritical fluid contacts the surface portion, with the first supercritical fluid carrying or containing a coating component; then (c) adding a separate compressed gas atmosphere to the reaction vessel so that a boundary is formed between the first supercritical fluid and the separate compressed gas atmosphere, said separate compressed gas atmosphere having a density less than said first supercritical fluid; and then (d) displacing said first supercritical fluid from said vessel by continuing adding said separate compressed gas atmosphere to said vessel so that said boundary moves across said surface portion and a thin film of coating component is deposited on said microelectronic substrate.

Abstract: A coater and drier system for uniformly depositing a film on a substrate or backing member. A vacuum bar positioned under the substrate is utilized to smooth out and make the substrate uniform as it passes beneath a spreader bar member or roller member in order to provide a layer of film forming liquid material on a substrate of a prespecified thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is an accelerated petrifaction process of lignocellulose materials, including the step of impregnating with an aqueous solution an alkaline hydroxide and a soluble silicate, under pH conditions that permits its partial neutralization and insolubilization of the salts in situ in the interior of the lignocellulose material by the action of acid groups present in the lignocellulose material and the acidic action of carbon dioxide present in the surrounding air.

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: 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: 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: A stucco wall structure for a building. The wall substrate is arranged for receipt of subsequent layers of surface material. The margin or periphery of the wall to be treated has a screed attached thereto. A sprayed-on coating of urethane is applied onto the wall substrate between the screeds to insure continuous bonding and adherency to the substrate. A first layer of polymer-based base coat and mesh covering is applied to the sprayed-on coating of urethane to provide anchoring and adhesion of a subsequent layer of stucco. An outer layer of stucco applied over the first layer of polymer-based base coat as a final coat thereon.

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 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 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 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: 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 manufacturing a stopper comprises impregnating a cork body with an elastomeric substance such as a silicone rubber mixture. The cork is submerged in the mixture and a vacuum is applied to enhance penetration of the mixture into the cork. The cork is then cleaned by forcing it through a conduit to remove excess liquid, and cured. A thin coating, approximately 25 &mgr;m thick, of the rubber remains on the outer surface of the cork, so that its appearance and feel are not substantially different from that of an untreated cork.

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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: In a method of treating a raw wood material with a formaldehyde polymer in the presence of sulfur dioxide at a reaction temperature within a reaction vessel to obtain a modified wood material, sulfur dioxide is supplied into the reaction vessel when a gas pressure of the formaldehyde polymer within the reaction vessel is 4.00.times.10.sup.4 Pa or more. In addition, a concentration of the formaldehyde polymer is in a range of 30 to 350 mol/m.sup.3 of formaldehyde monomer, and a molar ratio of the formaldehyde polymer to sulfur dioxide is in a range of 10 to 350. As the formaldehyde polymer, for example, trioxane, tetraoxane, or paraformaldehyde is used. The modified wood material manufactured by the method including the above conditions shows excellent dimensional stability while a discoloration thereof is effectively prevented. Therefore, the modified wood material is particularly fit to use for an interior furniture, musical instrument and a bath tub, etc.

Abstract: A method for treatment of wood, whereby the wood is impregnated with a wood preservative composition consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of ammonium salt of lignin and ammonia complexes of certain metal cations such as Cu(NH.sub.3).sub.4.sup.++, Zn(NH.sub.3).sub.4.sup.++, and Hg(NH.sub.3).sub.2.sup.++. the lignin is selected from the group consisting of alkali lignin, organosolv lignin, partially desulfonated sulfite lignin, and modified alkali or organosolv lignin.

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.