Protection of oriented strandboard with borate

Experimental panels were prepared to evaluate the effect of borate treatment on the behavior of the treated oriented strandboard (OSB) panels. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as the flowing agent to improve resin fluidity during hot-pressing. The mechanical properties of treated panels containing PEG were found to comply with the benefit CSA 0437 requirements for all properties evaluated. Creep-test results showed no evidence that borate has any adverse effect on the long-term performance of treated panels. The results of leaching tests suggested that panels treated with zinc borate can be used in unprotected environments without any substantial reduction in protection. Decay test results showed that treated panels were not subject to attack by Gloeophyllum trabeum nor Coriolus versicolor. Weight loss for the treated panels was under 2 percent compared to about 40 to 50 percent for the untreated panels. Formosan termite field tests conducted in Hawaii confirmed that 1 percent of zinc borate provides good protection against termite attack. After 24 months of exposure, panels treated with 1 percent of zinc borate were in a very good condition while the untreated panels were heavily attacked.

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