Abstract: This application reveals a methodology for making a preserved composite wood product from wood infested with a fungus associated with a bark beetle, and the preserved composite wood product produced thereby.

Abstract: A composite wood product manufactured from waney lumber and a method for making the composite wood product. The method utilizes lumber that has been cut from a log such that the piece has a length substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a width substantially tangential to the growth rings and a thickness substantially perpendicular to the growth rings. The wane on the lumber is removed to create a complementary side surface for joining in alternating growth ring orientation to the adjoining piece across the joined profiled side surfaces.

Abstract: A method of treating a piece of lumber including the steps of a) analyzing the lumber to detect a surface defect at a site on the lumber; b) removing at least a portion of the surface defect to form an opening in the lumber at the site of the defect; c) drying the lumber using a process wherein moisture is allowed to escape from the lumber through the opening; and, d) inserting a solid plug in the opening to refill the opening in the lumber.

Abstract: A refiner-apparatus and method for producing refined pulp by exerting mechanical forces on pulp fibres. The apparatus includes a member having a pulp side and a drainage side, the pulp side having a plurality of spaced apart raised bar portions thereon. A plurality of drainage conduits are formed in the member, the conduits extending between the pulp side and the drainage side of the member, each drainage conduit having inlet and outlet openings respectively. The inlet openings are disposed on the pulp side of the member and the outlet openings are disposed on the drainage side of the member such that water expelled from pulp fibres forced against the pulp side is received in the inlet openings and is conducted through the drainage conduits to the drainage side of the member. Generally, the method involves draining water from pulp fibres squeezed between facing refiner members, through at least one drainage conduit in at least one of the refiner members.

Abstract: A process to decontaminate soil containing a chlorinated phenol compound. Water is added to the soil to produce a solution of the chlorinated phenol compound containing at most about 2% by weight of the compound. Ozone is then passed through the solution to decompose the chlorinated phenol compound. The invention is of particular application in decontaminating soil containing chlorophenols, dibenzo-p-dioxins and chlorinated dibenzofurans.

Abstract: Residues from fibermat materials are broken down and separated into wood fibers and other fibers so that the fibers may be recycled. If the fibermat residues are not recycled, they present a disposal problem due to the uncured resins that become toxic waste. The fibermat residues are cut and separated by rotating cutting heads within a cutting and separating chamber. The wood fibers, being the heavier fibers, settle out, pass through a screen into a collection chamber and the lighter textile fibers are sucked out of the cutting and separating chamber with a vacuum system.

Abstract: A panel is disclosed that is formed from a planar, substantially inflexible cellulosic substrate having a rough or uneven surface, at least one layer of paper or veneer and a layer of an electrically conductive wire mesh or metal foil interposed between the substrate and the layer of paper or veneer. The substrate and the layers are bonded together with a layer of a polyolefin that has been grafted with an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride. The polyolefin is a homopolymer of ethylene or copolymer of ethylene and a higher hydrocarbon alpha-olefin. Processes for the manufacture of the panel are also disclosed. The panel may be used in the construction industry, especially as electrical shielding or for the removal of stray electrical currents from electrical or other equipment.

Abstract: A panel, especially a construction panel, formed from a substantially inflexible cellulosic substrate having a rough or uneven surface is disclosed. The substrate is coated with a layer of a grafted polyolefin and a layer of kraft paper or veneer. The polyolefin is a homopolymer of ethylene or copolymer of ethylene and at least one C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbon alpha-olefin having a melt index of less than 20 dg/min that has been grafted with at least 9 ppm of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride. One-step and multi-step processes for the manufacture of the panels are disclosed. The panels may be painted or coated by other means, and are useful in the construction industry, especially for interior surfaces of buildings. The panels may be formed from cellulosic substrates that may not otherwise be useful for the end-uses of the panels.

Abstract: Mouldable filled polyethylene compositions containing particulate lignocellulosic fillers are disclosed. The compositions contain 0-89.97% (by weight of the composition) of polyethylene, 0.01-89.99% (by weight of the composition) of grafted polymer, 10-60% (by weight of the composition) of particulate lignocellulosic material and 0.02-20% (by weight of the composition) of boric acid and/or borax. The boric acid and/or borax is added to suppress odor during manufacture and processing of the compositions. The compositions may be formed into moulded articles e.g. containers and the like.

Abstract: A process for protecting wood by applying to the wood an aqueous solution of a composition comprising sodium borate and sodium carbonate. Adverse effects on the color of the wood are reduced by including in the composition a component selected from a weakly acidic compound able to form a complex with cellulose; the weakly acidic compound and titanium dioxide; an alkyl ammonium chloride; the weakly acidic compound and an alkyl ammonium chloride; and an alkaline earth metal hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of protecting wood that comprises applying to the surface of the wood a solution of sodium carbonate and sodium borate. In a further aspect wood is protected against fungal growth by applying to the surface of the wood a solution of sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method of treating wood to prevent stain and decay which includes extracting from a decay resistant species of wood material a fungi growth inhibiting material and using this material to wet the surface of wood to be treated. The substance for use as a fungi growth inhibiting material is obtained by extracting it from decay resistant species of wood material.

Abstract: Wood can be hot-pressed into various composites using as adhesive subdivided plant foliage. Considerable bond strength is achieved, the bonds having water resistance adequate for many uses. The foliage is the primary adhesive i.e., is greater than 95% wt. of the active adhesive components present. The foliage can be used either in the form of a powder or as a dispersion in an aqueous liquid carrier. The foliage-wood system is hot-pressed to achieve the desired bonding, the pressing temperature being above the softening temperature of the foliage. The softening temperature of the foliage varies depending on the moisture content. The foliage proportions in the composite can range from about 1% to about 60% by wt. or more in some cases. Increased bond strengths have been achieved using formaldehyde crosslinking agents or alkaline additives.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treating of wood surfaces with a solution of selected boron compounds in order to preserve bondability during drying or storing. Effective compounds are borax and boric acid which are applied in an aqueous solution to the wood surface prior to drying or storing.

Abstract: An extender (and filler) for wood adhesives is provided from tree foliage powder or mulch. Suitable tree foliage includes that of conifers and other evergreens, and of deciduous trees. Test results have shown equivalent or better performance for the foliage powder compared to the normally used wheat flour, in bonding plywood or particleboard.

Abstract: Green lumber bodies are finger jointed together, using a heat curable adhesive for wood, by forming fingers on the lumber bodies, heating and drying the lumber bodies until the fingers only are dried to a moisture content of less than 50 percent (oven dry basis), cooling the fingers to which the adhesive is to be applied to prevent precure thereof, and applying the adhesive to these fingers, and then pressing the bodies together at a pressure greater that 150 p.s.i. to interlock the fingers until the adhesive is cured. Heat stored in the lumber bodies is transferred therefrom to the fingers to cure the adhesive. The adhesive may be a phenol resorcinol resin glue.