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 relates to a method of producing an impregnated wooden product from a wooden article. The article is pressed isostatically with a pressure exceeding 1,000 bars in a first method step. The wooden article is then placed in a bath containing a liquid-impregnating agent in a second method step and allowed to swell so that at least a part of the impregnating agent is absorbed by the article. The method may optionally be supplemented with a third method step in which the article is pressed isostatically with a pressure exceeding 1,000 bars, so as to form a hard element. The third method step may alternatively be applied to a conventionally pressure-impregnated article.

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: The resistant to biological degradation of composite wood products is improved by applying a suitable aqueous dispersion of zinc borate onto the fibers to uniformly distribute and to adhere the zinc borate to the strands of the wood composite, applying a suitable adhesive to the wood strands, forming a strand lay-up and consolidating a lay-up under heat and pressure to form a consolidated product with zinc borate uniformly distributed therethrough.

Abstract: A process for forming a cured paint film from a paint containing, as a binder, a resin containing a carbonyl group, or a resin, or a resin mixture containing a carbonyl group and a carboxyl group or a paint containing, as a binder, a resin containing a resin or a resin mixture containing a group which forms a carboxyl group in the subsequent contact step with a hydrazine compound or polyhydrazide compound. The uncured paint film, which contains a carbonyl group, or a carbonyl group and a carboxyl group or a group that forms a carboxyl group, is subjected to a step of curing the paint film by allowing the uncured paint film to contact with a hydrazine compound or a polyhydrazide compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to wood coating composition selected to accentuate the color and the natural grain structure of the underlying surface of a wood article, such as, a furniture or carving. The surface of the article is coated with a waterborne system that includes a copolymer copolymerized from at least one first copolymerizable monomer and at least one second copolymerizable monomer containing a conjugate base of a strong acid. The coating enhances the reddish-yellow hues and suppress the bluish hues and grays. Such a coating is aesthetically pleasing and it enhances the natural beauty of high quality wood, such as, rose, cherry, teak, mahogany. The present method can be utilized by furniture manufacturers who plan to replace solvent borne coating compositions, such as nitrocellulose-based lacquers, with waterborne coating compositions.

Abstract: An antistatic film comprising a chemically adsorbed film of straight chain molecules each containing a conductive group and provided on a chargeable substrate via covalent bonds each containing a Si group, said chemically adsorbed film having a conductivity of 10.sup.-10 S/cm or above. With the antistatic chemically adsorbed film according to the invention, conductive functional groups are secured via chemically adsorbed molecules and by siloxane bonds to the surface of a substrate material such as ceramics, glass, synthetic resins or synthetic fibers, a film, a plate, an display screen surface, a light-emitting tube. Thus, the film provides an antistatic effect and does not separate. In addition, this chemically adsorbed film has a thickness at the nanometer level and is thus excellently transparent, as well as capable of preventing contamination of the substrate surface due to charging thereof. The film is also excellently durable.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for the preservation of timber, wood or wood based products with a boron based preservative. The preservative comprises a mixture of boric acid or boron oxide with one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of methanol and ethanol.

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: The invention provides a method of preparing a supersaturated solution of an inorganic solute in an aqueous solvent, to such solutions and to a method of treating wood by impregnating it with such solutions. The method of preparing the solution involves mixing an aqueous solvent and salt solute together with an organic dopant comprising an emulsifier and an oil or wax, so that the eventual solution comprises an aqueous phase in which the solute is dissolved, the proportions of the constituents being selected so that the aqueous phase is a supersaturated solution of the inorganic salt solute in the solvent.

Abstract: A method for treating lumber using a treatment composition having white mineral oil. The lumber is submerged in the treatment composition at atmospheric pressure or at an elevated pressure. The white mineral oil replaces moisture removed from the lumber, and thus lubricates the cell structure of the wood. The method is particularly well suited to the treatment of wood flooring blocks, since the white mineral oil is non-toxic and does not pose health or environmental hazards. A fungicide may be added to the treatment composition to inhibit the formation of mold.

Abstract: Smoothing surfaces of a substrate having a profile and irregular surfaces. According to one embodiment, a layer of fill material is applied to at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the fill material fills irregularities in the at least one surface. The layer of fill material is scraped from the at least one surface to provide a relatively smooth at least one surface.

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 method to extend the functional life of wood structures by applying fundamental principles of biology and chemistry to control the activity of wood decay organisms while minimizing the use of environmentally hazardous chemicals. The method comprises applying a microbial treating solution to a portion of the wood structure subject to decay from microbial organisms; and covering the treated portion of the wood structure with a substantially insect impenetrable material. The method of the present invention is particularly advantageous for treating wood supporting structures including, but not limited to: telephone poles, utility poles, pilings, foundations and other building supports and the like. Also disclosed are novel wood structures.

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 wood article is submitted to a vacuum in an autoclave to remove air that it contains. Then, a solution which contains a wood preservative, a water-soluble cross-linkable prepolymer and a polymerization initiator is introduced into the autoclave. Polymerization to form a polymeric network in the wood article is carried out in an atmosphere substantially free of oxygen, while the preservative is chemically fixed to the wood. The result is a wood article with a permanently reduced hardness and an increased moisture content at equilibrium.

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: It is an object to provide a process for treating timber, comprising the first step of immersing a high moisture content timber in an organic solvent compatible with water so as to remove water in the timber and make the organic solvent penetrate into the timber, and the second step of immersing the timber in a solution comprising a wood preservative and a high boiling point organic solvent, the solution being compatible with the organic solvent, so as to make the high boiling point organic solvent and the wood preservative penetrate into the timber, wherein timber is treated in a short period of time without a step of drying a high moisture content timber, and at the same time, cracking by drying at the step of drying a high moisture content timber is inhibited.

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: A docking sleeve is provided for insertion into a bore in the side of a work-piece. A sealed chemical-holding cylinder is passed through the docking sleeve into the bore and an actuator is screwed into the docking sleeve to pierce a seal of a the cylinder so that chemicals contained therein can vaporize and treat the inside of the work-piece.

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: 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: The invention described is a wood preservative applicator or bandage for wooden structures such as wooden poles which wraps around the pole at ground level. The bandage comprises a inert matrix 2 which has a surface for contact with the wooden structure and has a plurality of reservoirs 3 formed therein. The reservoirs communicate with the surface of the matrix and contain a solid tablet of wood preservative chemical for supply to the matrix surface. The plurality of individual reservoirs are arranged on the flexible matrix to enable the matrix to be shaped to conform to the contour of the wooden structure. The bandage is also provided with a fastening means for securing the matrix in position on the wooden structure. The fastening means is a line of indentations formed above and below the plurality of individual reservoirs.

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: 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: 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.

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: A process of inhibiting of the staining of a film forming finish applied to a tannin containing wood substrate includes the step of applying to the wood substrate prior to or concurrently with the film forming finish, a protective coating containing an effective amount of zinc cyanamide to inhibit the migration of tannins from the substrate into the finish.

Abstract: A method of improving tannin stain blocking in a tannin-containing substrate is disclosed which involves applying to the substrate a blend of:(a) an acid-functional polymer formed from about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of said polymer, of at least one acid-functional monomer; and(b) about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight, based on the weight of said acid-functional polymer, of at least one organosilane having a number average molecular weight of from about 100 to about 10,000.A method of improving the physical properties of the coating composition, including viscosity, adhesion, scrub resistance, water whitening resistance, corrosion resistance, hot block resistance and water, fire, smoke, nicotine, pen and ink stain blocking is also disclosed.

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: Disclosed is an ornament with a thin film formed on the ornament surface. The thin film includes a fluorocarbon-based adsorbed monomolecular film, and the thin film is covalently bonded to the ornament. By contacting the ornament with the non-aqueous solution containing a chlorosilane group at one end and a fluorocarbon chain at the other end, a reaction occurs between hydroxyl groups at the ornament surface and the chlorosilyl groups of the material having a plurality of chlorosilyl grounds. A monomolecular film which is covalently bonded to the ornament surface is thereby obtained. A thin, fluorine-containing, monomolecular film thus can be formed on the ornament such that it is, chemically bonded to the ornament. The film is anti-contaminating, water-and oil-repelling, durable and does not spoil the intrinsic luster of the ornament.

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 docking sleeve is provided for insertion into a bore in the side of a work-piece. A sealed chemical-holding cylinder is passed through the docking sleeve into the bore and an actuator is screwed into the docking sleeve to pierce a seal of a the cylinder so that chemicals contained therein can vaporize and treat the inside of the work-piece.

Abstract: Materials, particularly wood materials and calcium carbonate-containing materials such as concrete and marble, can be protected from the growth of algae by being treated with a compound containing tin covalently bonded to a silylating group such that cleavage of the covalent bonds due to hydrolysis or photolysis is minimized, thus making the treatment ecologically safe. One such compound is (n-Bu).sub.3 SnCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 Si(OEt).sub.3. The tin compound can either be incorporated into raw materials from which materials are to be made, or it can be applied to the finished materials. When the tin compound is applied to a material that is algae streaked, the streaking should disappear.

Abstract: A new and improved bleaching and finishing composition for bleaching and finishing a solid substrate includes a first component blend which includes a quantity of a latex resin and a quantity of a bleaching solution. A second component blend includes a quantity of a latex resin, a quantity of an alcohol, a quantity of water, a quantity of a substrate treating material, and a quantity of an alkalizing agent. The first component blend and the second component blend are maintained separated from each other in storage, and the first component blend and the second component blend may be mixed together prior to use on the substrate. Preferably, the substrate is wood. The second component blend may also include a quantity of a coloring agent for tinting the substrate to a desired shade of color. Also, a method is provided for bleaching and finishing a solid substrate.

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: Flame retarding and smoke retarding aqueous solutions consisting essentially of: 70-96 weight % of a mixture of ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulphate, 1-20 weight % NaHCO.sub.3, 1-10 weight % EDTA, and water in an amount resulting in an aqueous solution comprising 11-45 weight % solids on the basis of the total weight of the aqueous solution. Methods of producing and using the flame retarding and smoke retarding aqueous solutions to impregnate absorbent porous materials, such as wood, rayon, cotton, wool and similar textile materials are also taught.

Abstract: A process for finishing wood slatted articles of furniture, such as chairs, tables and ottomans for either indoor or outdoor use comprising the steps of dipping the article in a coating material, draining the excess coating material and then spinning the article to provide an even distribution of the coating, particularly throughout the intricately woven slats of the article. The article is subsequently dried at room temperature and then heated in an oven to cure the coating material. The coating material may be comprised of an acrylic polymer resin. The article may be dipped in various other media, such as a color stain or an exterior protective sealer depending on the finishing application desired.

Abstract: A wood preservative comprising a styryl triazole derivative of the formula [I] ##STR1## wherein X represents chlorine or hydrogen as an active ingredient. The present wood preservative has a wood-preservating efficacy equivalent to and remarkably improved light resistance as compared with a conventional organic iodine compound slightly inferior in light resistance, and therefore, exhibits a stabilized wood-preservating efficacy without causing discoloration even under irradiation with light.

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: Building materials such as concrete can be protected from the growth of algae by being treated with a compound containing tin covalently bonded to a silylating group such that cleavage of the covalent bonds due to hydrolysis or photolysis is minimized, thus making the treatment ecologically safe. One such compound is (n-Bu).sub.3 SnCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 Si(OEt).sub.3. The tin compound can either be incorporated into raw materials from which building materials are to be made, or it can be applied to the finished building materials. When the tin compound is applied to a building material that is algae streaked, the streaking should disappear.

Abstract: Low VOC penetrating compositions for staining and protecting porous substrates such as wood, concrete, cement, brick and the like, comprising aqueous dispersions of polyurethane-ureas.