The efficacy of biodiesel as a co-solvent for copper naphthenate wood preservative treating solutions was evaluated using two fungal decay methodologies (AWPA E10-09, British Standard Method EN113). Four fungal species (Gloeophyllum trabeum, Trametes versicolor, Poria xantha, Postia placenta) and three wood species (Douglas fir, Southern yellow pine, Western red cedar) with six replicates were utilized in both studies. Two levels of biodiesel: diesel (30:70 and 50:50) were compared to diesel-only solvent systems for copper naphthenate treating systems and treated to AWPA recommended retentions. No differences in decay efficacy between the biodiesel blends and diesel-only treatment in either the AWPA or the EN113 decay studies were detected for either standard method. Copper distribution was evaluated using SEM-EDX and no differences were noted with either solvent system. It was determined that the presence of biodiesel did not have a negative impact upon the efficacy of copper naphthenate as a wood preservative.

Thesis (M.S.) -- Mississippi State University. Department of Forest Products. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

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The purpose of this research was to quantify properties of strandboard panels manufactured with various preservatives at loading levels effective against native termites. Panels were manufactured using nine different formulations. The method of preservative addition was also examined for some preservative formulations, increasing the total number of preservative treatments to twelve. Panels were manufactured with one target retention for each preservative treatment. An effective preservative loading relative to termites was established by previous studies or referencing current standards. Mechanical testing performed included static bending and internal bond. Physical testing included water absorption, thickness swell, and linear expansion. Few treatments met the Canadian standards for strandboard, but several preservatives performed well. Copper naphthenate, bifenthrin, and copper betaine each deserve further investigation to optimize manufacturing variables to meet required mechanical and physical properties.