Microdistribution of copper in southern pine treated with particulate wood preservatives

Abstract

The micro-distribution of preservatives in wood has fascinated many scientists. Their fascination with this subject stems from the challenges of mapping and quantifying preservative elements in the complex porous micro-structure of wood and the even greater challenge of linking the micro-distribution of preservatives to the performance of the treated wood in the field. Our studies attempt the former using field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays in combination with X-ray micro-computed tomography. We have focused on the micro-distribution of copper in southern pine treated with commercial aqueous wood preservatives containing micron and nanometer-sized particles of basic copper carbonate. These preservatives were commercialized in North America in 2006 and we were the first to study their micro-distribution in treated wood. This chapter describes the results of our studies and the analytical techniques that have been used to study the micro-distribution of preservatives in treated wood.