Evaluation of Two Bisphenols as Wood-Preservative Agents

Substituted bisphenols have been extensively evaluated as fungicides for mildew-proofing of fabrics and other materials. The problem of protecting wood against biological deterioration is similar to that of protecting fabrics and cordage. Some preservatives, such as pentachlorophenol and copper naphthenate, are commonly used in both applications. The two bisphenols included in this study were Compound G-4 and 2,2′-thiobis (4-chlorophenol) (Compound 30). These materials were evaluated individually in an inert solvent (Sohio No. 4A Fuel Oil, and Sohio: No. 6 Fuel Oil) and also in a petroleum solvent (Panalene SN). In addition, they were evaluated in combination with three well known preservatives: creosote, pentachlorophenol, and copper naphthenate. Treatments were on southern yellow pine stakes exposed in a soil plot, and a small series of marine panels impregnated with same solutions, but at higher retention levels and exposed at Daytona Beach, Fla. Bisphenols 2,2′-methylenebis (4-chlorophenol) and 2,2′-thiobis (4-chlorophenol) definitely contributed to the effectiveness of certain standard wood-preservative toxicants, when used in combination with the latter. In soil exposures this was evident when either bisphenol was used with creosote and when 2,2′-methylenebis (4-chlorophenol) was used with copper naphthenate. A gain in performance was also found when either bisphenol was substituted for half the penta in a solution of penta in 4A fuel oil. Under marine exposure conditions, the combination of 2,2′-methylenebis (4-chlorophenol) with copper naphthenate showed considerable promise. Neither bisphenol was very effective when used as the sole toxicant in treating solutions. These two bisphenols merit further consideration as adjuvants or co-toxicants in creosote, creosote-coal tar, and copper naphthenate wood preservative treatments.

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