Biological performance of wood-based composites treated with a formulation of 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate and silafluofen using supercritical carbon dioxide

Wood-based composites (medium density fiber-board, hardwood plywood, softwood plywood. particle-board, and oriented strand board) treated with a mixture formulation of 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamiate (IPBC) and silafluofen using supercritical carbon dioxide as a carrier solvent were evaluated for their resistance to biological attack in a laboratory study. The formulation was prepared by mixing 10g of IPBC and I g of silafluofen in ethanol solution (20ml). Treatments were conducted at 35degreesC/7.85MPa, 35degreesC/9.81MPa, and 55degreesC/11.77MPa with the direct introduction of 20ml of the formulation into the treatment vessel with a capacity of ca. 2000ml at a rate of 2ml/min. Laboratory tests indicated that the treatment conditions used significantly enhanced the resistance of the treated wood-based composites against fungal and termite attacks. Because no significant difference in efficacy against both biodegrading agents was noticed regardless of the treatment conditions, the treatment at 35degreesC/7.85MPa was thought to be the most economical in terms of energy consumption and performance of treated materials. However, the amount of biocides in a formulation must be carefully selected in accordance with the required treatment condition to ensure satisfactory performance of the treated wood-based composites against any biological agent.