Borate diffusion into red oak sapwood lumber: an initial assessment

The length of time necessary to store red oak sapwood lumber (Quercus spp.) for adequate diffusion penetration of borates was studied by dip-treating for 1-minute matched packets of 5/4 (31.7 mm) lumber in heated 34 to 36 percent boric acid equivalent (BAE) solutions of two borates, ammonium pentaborate/sodium sulphate as AM-BOR-S? or disodium octaborate tetrahydrate as TIM-BOR?. Treated packets were stored for diffusion under a plastic cover or in a shed and sampled after 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Results of ANOVA tests indicated that boron retentions in wood did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) by borate or by method and time of storage. After 3 weeks of diffusion storage, borate retentions found in board centers were adequate to provide protection from lyctid powderpost beetles and brown-rot decay fungi, provided treated wood is used aboveground where it is protected from frequent wetting. Fungicides tested alone and with borates prevented lumber discoloration by mold fungi, but not by enzymatic gray stain.

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