Abstract: A method for producing copper oxide. In the method, a copper bearing material, aqueous ammonia, and a sufficient amount of an ammonium salt to double the rate of production of copper oxide in the absence of the salt are placed in a single vessel. The vessel is closed, and oxygen is fed into the vessel. The mixture is stirred and heated to a temperature of between approximately 70.degree. and 130.degree. C. to dissolve the copper bearing material into aqueous ammoniacal copper ion. The aqueous ammoniacal copper ion is reacted with the oxygen in the vessel to form solid copper oxide particles, which are then recovered.

Abstract: A wood preservative composition comprises a wood preservative such as a chromated copper arsenate-oil emulsion or an ammoniacal copper arsenate emulsion having about 0.1 to 15 percent chromated copper arsenate, ammoniacal copper arsenate, or ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate, about 1 to 20 percent oil and about 0.3 to 2.5 percent (based on total final emulsion) surfactant material. The first surfactant preferably has a hydrophilic lipophilic balance of about 7 to 9.5 and a second surfactant has a hydrophilic lipophilic balance of about 15 to 20. It is preferred that the first surfactant have an ethoxyl mole ratio less than about 5 and that the second surfactant have a mole ratio greater than about 15. The surfactant material may be composed of a first surfactant having an average mole ratio of about 1 to 5 and a second surfactant having an average mole ratio of about 20 to 100. The composition is storage stable for extended periods and provides a number of beneficial properties for wood products.

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.