Abstract: A composition is disclosed comprising a long-chain quaternary ammonium compound and a wood preservative active agent or a mixture thereof. The long-chain quaternary ammonium compound includes at least one alkyl moiety having from 16 to 50 carbon atoms, unsubstituted or substituted with one or more N, O, S, or halogen atoms. A method of treating wood is disclosed, comprising impregnating wood with the above composition in an amount effective to reduce the preservative active ingredient loss in the treated wood or to increase the resistance of the wood to decay. Treated wood and wood products are disclosed comprising wood impregnated with the above composition, including a treatment level of the long-chain quaternary ammonium compound effective to reduce the preservative active ingredient loss in the treated wood or to increase the resistance of the wood to decay.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an engineered wood board. The wood board has a major face, and is made up of strips of wood which are oriented with the grain vertical relative to that major face. Additionally, the wood board contains an additive, which is present to improve the exterior durability of the wood. Another aspect of the invention is a method for manufacturing an engineered wood board that has a major face. The method includes the step of obtaining strips of wood that have a flat grain surface and a vertical grain surface. Those strips are assembled side by side, and are oriented with the vertical grain surfaces defining the major face of the board. Once the strips of wood are assembled, they are bonded together. At any stage in the method, a treatment is added to the wood to improve its water repellency and exterior durability.

Abstract: A process for treating a wood substrate with a water-based formulation containing a wax in order to confer water repellency to the substrate comprising the steps of: (a) placing the substrate in a treatment vessel and reducing the pressure in the vessel to remove air in the pores of the substrate; (b) contacting the substrate in the vessel, while reduced pressure is present in the vessel, with the formulation to allow the formulation to flow into said pores, said contacting being carried out at a temperature at or above that required to cause the wax to change into a molten state; (c) applying a positive pressure to the vessel to force the formulation into said pores; and (d) releasing the pressure in the vessel and removing the resultant wood substrate from the vessel.