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In this study, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood samples were treated with 3 different major wood preservatives (alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), copper chrome boron (CCB) and copper azole (CuA)). Treated wood samples were subjected to 1 and 3 months of leaching in 3 different soil types and the amount of leached heavy metal Cu was determined on a laboratory scale. In addition, wood samples were exposed to white rot (Trametes versicolor) and brown rot (Neolentinus lepideus) fungi after leaching and weight losses were calculated. At the end of the 1 and 3 months of leaching period, the soil samples were taken from the pots and the amount of Cu was determined. The lowest Cu content (4.3 mg/kg) was detected in the samples treated with CCB among the wood preservatives, while the highest content (196.3 mg/kg) was determined in ACQ. The lowest Cu amount was determined in loamy sand soil type and the highest Cu amount was determined in clay loam soil type. According to the findings from the current study, leaching in soil did not affect weight losses caused by T. versicolor, while significant weight losses occurred by N. lepideus. This study indicated that loamy sand soil is more suitable for the treated wood if there is a risk regarding leaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wood is considered to be one of the most important materials in the global economy. Wood loses shelf life in countries with severe winters. Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was predominantly used as a wood preservative because of its efficacy in controlling wood decay. This study discussed the overall impact of PCP across various environmental matrices, including soil, plants, water, air, and humans. Pentachlorophenol is a phenol substituted with five chloro-groups. High chlorination levels and stability of PCP make it hazardous to the environment, and persistent, and it also interferes with human, aquatic, and soil microbial health. PCP is volatile; thus, it is constantly discharged into the atmosphere and ingested by the human population. Owing to its hazardous nature, it was added to the Stockholm Convention’s list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and phased out of the industry in 2023. This review has summarized PCP properties, usage, production volume, different transformation pathways, and its harmful effects on different environmental matrices such as air, water, soil, crops, and human health which have helped to outline the expected features of the new chemical compared with PCP. The improved chemical is intended to have quick degradability, fewer chlorine atoms, no aromatic structure, be non-toxic, environmentally benign, and efficient against wood deterioration while also penetrating the wood better.

The wood preservative disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) migration is studied in clay. Using boron analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), DOT spatial and temporal dynamics are surveyed to show how DOT permeates into the wood and the clay using concentration profiles as a function of depth, initial wood moisture, and direction of filling. Atomic force microscopy and chemical imaging using photoinduced force microscopy are used to show the morphology of the wood samples and the distribution of DOT on their surface. ICP‐OES results show that the average DOT concentration in the wood samples is originally 0.8 and 1.5 wt% in the bulk and at the surface, respectively. Conditioning of the wood to a moisture content of 19% in a climatic chamber reduces DOT concentration by 8% for the fir and 17% for the spruce. After one week of contact with the clays, the results showed a rapid decrease of 25–40% in DOT concentration in wood. On longer periods (5 months), the spruce shows a tendency to reabsorb the DOT from the clay and the DOT migration stabilizes at 20%. These results contribute to defining the dosage of DOT when the wood is exposed to clay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood is considered to be one of the most important materials in the global economy. Wood loses shelf life in countries with severe winters. Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was predominantly used as a wood preservative because of its efficacy in controlling wood decay. This study discussed the overall impact of PCP across various environmental matrices, including soil, plants, water, air, and humans. Pentachlorophenol is a phenol substituted with five chloro-groups. High chlorination levels and stability of PCP make it hazardous to the environment, and persistent, and it also interferes with human, aquatic, and soil microbial health. PCP is volatile; thus, it is constantly discharged into the atmosphere and ingested by the human population. Owing to its hazardous nature, it was added to the Stockholm Convention's list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and phased out of the industry in 2023. This review has summarized PCP properties, usage, production volume, different transformation pathways, and its harmful effects on different environmental matrices such as air, water, soil, crops, and human health which have helped to outline the expected features of the new chemical compared with PCP. The improved chemical is intended to have quick degradability, fewer chlorine atoms, no aromatic structure, be non-toxic, environmentally benign, and efficient against wood deterioration while also penetrating the wood better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of Hartindo AF21 as a wood preservative against subterranean termites, specifically Coptotermes curvignathus Homgren (Rhinotermitidae) in Malaysian conditions. The aim was to examine the performance of Hartindo AF21 in preventing termite attacks on Koompassia malaccensis and Hevea brasiliensis. The tests involved using various concentrations of Hartindo AF21 in both single choice (no-choice) (ASTM D3345) and aboveground (IHM/WEL/1) scenarios. The findings from the laboratory and above-ground tests revealed that concentrations of Hartindo AF21 above 20% created a sufficient chemical barrier or resulted in high mortality rates for C. curvignathus after 15 days. Additionally, both wood species treated with Hartindo AF21 displayed typical repellent wood preservative behavior, with reduced feeding and mass loss as the concentr ation of preservative increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing conventional wood preservatives poses potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, the wood protection industry must develop alternatives that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. In this paper, industrial tobacco waste extracts were used as eco-friendly wood preservatives against wood decay fungi. Three major constituents in the extracts were identified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and included nicotine, neophytadiene, and 2,7,11-cembratriene-4,6-diol. The antifungal activities of waste tobacco extracts and these three major constituents against wood decay fungi were tested. At a concentration of 40 mg/mL, the tobacco waste extract treated with 50% ethanol significantly inhibited the activity of wood decay fungi. This was because the extract contained nicotine as the primary active component and neophytadiene as a synergistic active component. Wood decay resistance tests were conducted on Pinus yunnanensis and Hevea brasiliensis treated with a 50% ethanol extract of tobacco waste at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. The mass losses of Pinus yunnanensis exposed to G. trabeum and T. versicolor were 4.11% and 5.03%, respectively, while the mass losses in Hevea brasiliensis exposed to G. trabeum and T. versicolor were 7.85% and 9.85%, respectively, which were classified as highly resistant. The acute ecotoxicity of the tobacco waste extract was assessed using a kinetic luminescent bacteria test with Aliivibrio fischeri, which revealed significantly lower acute toxicity than a commercial copper-based wood preservative. This study offers insights into high-value utilization of tobacco waste and advancement of natural wood preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature vapour-phase acetylation (HTVPA) is a simultaneous acetylation and heat treatment process for wood modification. This study was the first investigation into the impact of HTVPA treatment on the resistance of wood to biological degradation. In the termite resistance test, untreated wood exhibited a mass loss (MLt) of 20.3%, while HTVPA-modified wood showed a reduced MLt of 6.6–3.2%, which decreased with an increase in weight percent gain (WPG), and the termite mortality reached 95–100%. Furthermore, after a 12-week decay resistance test against brown-rot fungi (Laetiporus sulfureus and Fomitopsis pinicola), untreated wood exhibited mass loss (MLd) values of 39.6% and 54.5%, respectively, while HTVPA-modified wood exhibited MLd values of 0.2–0.9% and −0.2–0.3%, respectively, with no significant influence from WPG. Similar results were observed in decay resistance tests against white-rot fungi (Lenzites betulina and Trametes versicolor). The results of this study demonstrated that HTVPA treatment not only effectively enhanced the decay resistance of wood but also offered superior enhancement relative to separate heat treatment or acetylation processes. In addition, all the HTVPA-modified wood specimens prepared in this study met the requirements of the CNS 6717 wood preservative standard, with an MLd of less than 3% for decay-resistant materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global facial mask market continues to grow, consumers have put forward higher requirements for the functionality and ingredients of mask products. Ordinary facial masks mostly use ordinary non-woven fabrics as the mask base fabric and are used with essence. Preservatives are generally added. At the same time, they are susceptible to the influence of the external environment and are easily oxidized, causing the mask to deteriorate and cause skin allergic reactions. In addition, traditional facial masks have problems such as poor fit with the skin, poor breathability, insufficient absorption of nutrient solutions, and easy dripping. The high specific surface area and high porosity of a nanofiber mask prepared by electrospinning technology are beneficial to the skin's absorption of nutrients, and it has good fit with the skin and strong breathability. A unique advantage of this nanofiber mask is that it uses spray. After the mask is sprayed with water or essence, the water-soluble polymer within it can be quickly dissolved, saving a lot of time. Nanofiber facial mask products can effectively solve consumer pain points and are conducive to the high-end development of facial masks. Therefore, this article combines needleless electrospinning technology to develop a new solid-state, preservative-free, quick-dissolving nanofiber facial mask that can be prepared on a large scale. Based on needleless electrospinning technology, this article deeply explores the process parameters and their influencing mechanisms for preparing nanofiber, quick-dissolving facial masks to achieve the stable preparation of nanofiber facial masks with the best morphology; a comprehensive analysis of the structure and influence of nanofiber facial masks from micro and macro perspectives demonstrates their performance and allows evaluation of them. The experimental results show that the mask morphology is optimal under the process conditions of using a spinning liquid of 20% collagen peptide solution, a spinning voltage of 30 kV, a collection distance of 19 cm, and a liquid supply speed of 130 mL/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Termites, beetles, and fungi are the main deteriorating agents on forest products and services within Ethiopia's industry and construction sectors. This study aimed to assess the natural durability of Pinus patula ssp tecunumanii lumber and the efficacy of used motor oil (UMO) in protecting against subterranean termites and fungal damage. Sixty-four lumber samples (stakes) measuring 2x5x50cm were treated with UMO using hot-and-cold dipping (HCD) and brushing methods, besides untreated controls. These samples were then installed at Bako and Adami Tulu Graveyard Research Stations for observation over four and a half years. At the final evaluation period, the mean damage caused by subterranean termites at Bako station on P. tecunumanii stakes treated with UMO using HCD, brushing, and untreated controls was 47%, 90%, and 96%, respectively, while fungal damage rates were 23%, 69%, and 42%, respectively. At Adami Tulu station, termite damage rates on treated stakes were 30% (HCD), 61% (brushing), and 63% (untreated), with fungal damage rates of 0%, 38%, and 53%, respectively. The UMO treatment using HCD method doubled the service life of P. tecunumanii lumber stakes compared to untreated controls. Therefore, applying used motor oil using the HCD method is recommended to enhance the durability of P. tecunumanii lumber for ground and moisture contact applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fruit juice concentration gains popularity due to the reduced shipping costs for concentrated products. However, the main drawback of the widely used thermal concentration process is the degradation of product's quality parameters. Lyophilization, or the freeze‐drying process, is applied to concentrate coconut water to demonstrate that the quality of the coconut water can improve even when a significant fraction of pure water is removed from it. The measurements of antioxidant activities, total phenolic content (TPC), pH, and titratable acidity are investigated to understand process efficiency without compromising the original quality of coconut water. Study applies first order kinetics to assess the coconut water's shelf‐life, using pH and Brix as critical parameters. Results suggest that Brix, TPC, antioxidant activity (AAO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and potassium increase with increase in lyophilization time, where pH remains the same. The shelf‐life of concentrated product increases to double that of raw coconut water. Practical applications: Coconut water has very large worldwide demand as health drink across all ages and all societies, particularly has great demand in sport/health sectors. The raw coconut is inconvenient to transport long distances because of its bulky volume. Further, coconut grows in a very limited area, it needs to travel long distance to reach customers across globe. So business with packed concentrated coconut water would be profitable for food industries. There is no study that has proven that concentrated coconut water through non‐thermal processes can actually improve its shelf‐life drastically. This study suggests that Brix, TPC, AAO, total dissolved solids, and potassium ions were concentrated with the increase in lyophilization time, where pH remains same due to an undisturbed natural buffering system. Non‐thermal freeze‐drying techniques proved that non‐thermal treatment like polymeric/ceramic membrane treatment would be beneficial for industry to sell packed coconut water without adding preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological durability of ten wood species was determined on the basis of results from laboratory agar block tests. The experiment utilised two specimen formats: standard EN 113-2 specimens (15 × 25 × 50 mm) and mini-blocks (5 × 10 × 30 mm) exposed to two fungi (Coniophora puteana and Trametes versicolor) for varying incubation periods. Mini-block tests yield dissimilar outcomes compared to the European standard test at six, eight, ten or 16 weeks of incubation. This discrepancy extended to both durability classifications based on median percentage mass loss and those based on relative mass loss (x-values). It was therefore concluded that laboratory tests with miniaturised specimens are not advisable as a substitute for conventional durability classification assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Wood, as an organic material, is susceptible to deterioration by destructive factors such as fungi and insects. One approach to protect wood against these factors is the treatment of wood with preservatives. The use of waterborne preservatives is common due to the numerous advantages. However, when preservative-treated wood is exposed to outdoor environments, it becomes susceptible to weathering and leaching. The use of coatings can be an effective method in this regard. This research investigates the effectiveness of two transparent coatings, acrylic and alkyd, in enhancing the weathering resistance of wood specimens treated with waterborne preservatives. Methodology: defect-free poplar wood specimens with the dimensions of 12×10×2 cm³ (L, T, R) were prepared and then these specimens were treated with preservatives (ACC, CCB, and ACQ-C) using the full-cell/pressure impregnation method. Subsequently, acrylic and alkyd transparent coatings were applied to the surface of the treated specimens. After applying the coatings, the specimens were exposed to natural weathering for one year. Results: The results indicated that the type of coating significantly influenced the color and adhesion resistance of specimens. Furthermore, the research findings demonstrated that all specimens experienced color changes and a decrease in coating adhesion resistance due to weathering. The intensity of color changes and deterioration in specimens with acrylic coatings was higher compared to those with alkyd coatings. Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that alkyd coatings exhibited better preservative performance against weathering for preservative-treated wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the inhibition effect of nanoscale silver–copper particle (20 nm) against Coriolus versicolor and Gloeophyllumtrabeum. Poplar wood samples (Populus L.) were vacuum-impregnated using aqueous nano-AgCu solutions at concentrations of 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.03 %, 0.05 %, 0.075 %, and 0.1 %. Alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ, 0.1 %), boric acid (0.2 %) and untreated control group (CK) were employed for comparisons. Decay resistance and leachability were studied. The anti-fungi effects were compared between nano-AgCu, nano-Ag, Ag+ (silver nitrate), Cu2+ (copper nitrate), and a composite of Ag+–Cu2+. Nano-AgCu particle exhibited effective resistance to fungi after 12 weeks of exposure. The threshold retention of the nano-AgCu against C. versicolor and G. trabeum on poplar wood was 0.19 kg m−3 and 0.62 kg m−3, respectively. The silver–copper nanoparticles demonstrated excellent leach resistance, and the inhibition effect was retained after leaching. The nano-AgCu particle provided better antifungal effects than single ions or metal nanoparticles. This study illustrates the potential of using nano-AgCu particle as an efficient wood preservative compared to commercial water-soluble preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentachlorophenol (PCP), a persistent organic pollutant, has been banned in many countries, but it is still used in China as a wood preservative, molluscicide, or reagent for fish-pond cleaning, which may pose risks to the ecosystem and humans. However, data on the occurrence of PCP in the environment are scarce in the recent decade. The Yangtze River was regarded as a priority area of PCP pollution according to previous documents. This study aimed to examine the spatial distribution of PCP in the Yangtze River water, the differences in dry and wet seasons, the ecological risk for aquatic organisms, and its removal efficiency in tap water treatment plants. The river water samples (n = 144) were collected from the upper, middle, and lower reaches across ten provinces (or municipalities) in December 2020 and June 2021, respectively. PCP was detected in 88.9% of all the samples, ranging from Max: 0.02) to aquatic organisms posed by PCP in the river. In addition, 100% removal of PCP in tap water treatment plants was observed, while the transformation products of PCP need further studies. The risk of human exposure to PCP through water ingestion only was negligible. However, human exposure risks of PCP in highly contaminated areas still require attention, considering its bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a cutting-edge wood preservation technology, injection treatment to living trees has gained traction to prevent fungal infestation. Wood preservatives are injected into the lower part of the trunk and subsequently transported with xylem sap through transpiration. In this experiment, the waterborne wood preservative was synthesized by Ammoniacal Copper Quaternary (ACQ) and carbon dots (CDs), and its characteristics were determined. The distribution, loading capacity, and decay resistance of ACQ/CDs at different heights of the living poplar trees after the treatment were examined. Meanwhile, the effects of three methods, i.e. injection treatment, immersion treatment, and pressure treatment on the decay resistance and mechanical properties of the treated wood were explored. The results showed that the wood preservative penetrated well into the xylem after the injection treatment. The wood at different heights after the injection treatment had good decay resistance. The decay resistance diminished with the rise in tree height, attributable to variations in the timing of the preservative reaching different levels within the tree. When compared with the immersion and pressure treatments, the injection treatment can effectively reduce the influence of long-term preservative soaking and pressure application on the mechanical properties of the treated wood, while upholding commendable decay resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal modification is a technique that can be used to increase the resistance of wood to the biodeterioration processes. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the durability of Parkia pendula (angelim-saia) and Simarouba amara (marupá) woods thermally modified in rotting field tests and by the action of natural weathering. The tests were carried out in the Brazilian Amazon region, in the Mato Grosso State. The thermal modification of the wood was set with four treatments: control (T1); electric-oven treatment, 180°C for 3 h (T2); combination of autoclave and electric-oven, 125°C for 3 h, and 180°C for 3 h respectively (T3), and immersion in vegetable oil, 180°C for 3 h (T4). The samples were partially buried for the field rotting assays, and the mass loss and deterioration index were seasonally evaluated after the experiment was installed. These analyses were performed on the same samples which has been exposed to rotting essays. The action of natural weathering was assessed through the CIELAB* colour system. T4 was the most efficient for increasing the resistance to biological deterioration, under the tested conditions. T2 and T3 treatments conferred higher colorimetric stability for both types of woods after natural weathering, under the tested conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood is a natural material that presents a great variation in its structural and aesthetic properties. To extend the service life of wood and its products many treatments have been developed. Considering the negative impacts of various conventional wood preservatives, the development of economically viable new or alternative technologies with low toxicity is in progress. Nanotechnology is been portrayed as one of the solutions complimenting conventional wood preservatives due to various aspects. The main goal of this review is to present the role of nanotechnology in wood protection with different end user applications and also it covers the perks over conventional wood preservatives. Commercialization of nanoparticles in wood protection is also discussed in light of safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness of microwave treatment (MW) on the antifungal properties of Norway spruce wood and the leaching of preservatives. Given the environmental and health concerns about conventional wood preservatives, this study evaluates microwave treatment as a sustainable pretreatment to limit the leaching of preservatives from wood. In the experiment, wood samples were treated with microwaves at five different energy levels before being impregnated with copper–ethanolamine- and boron-based preservatives. We assessed preservative retention by leaching tests and assessed the resistance of the wood to fungal attack. The results show that MW treatment improves the uptake and fixation of preservatives, reduces leachability, and significantly improves the durability of an otherwise perishable wood against fungal attack. This study emphasises the potential of microwave treatment for wood preservation. It offers an environmentally friendly approach to extending the life of wood products while maintaining their protective properties against decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood is a naturally porous material prone to microbial erosion and degradation in outdoor environments. Therefore, the development of an environmentally friendly wood preservative with excellent antibacterial effects and low toxicity is urgently needed. In this study, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) with excellent antifungal performance and fluorescent properties were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method with chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC) as the raw material. The fluorescence characteristics of N-CQD preservatives can help track their position and distribution in wood. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of N-CQDs is 1.8 mg/mL, which was nearly 22 times lower than that of HACC (40.0 mg/mL) in the PDA medium. The decay resistance test demonstrated that wood treated with N-CQDs showed a considerably reduced decay degree and its mass loss rate decreased from 46 ± 0.5% to 3.8 ± 0.5%. Biological transmission electron microscopy revealed that N-CQDs effectively destroyed fungal cell structures, thereby hindering the growth of Coriolus versicolor. N-CQDs synthesized using the one-step hydrothermal method can be used as an efficient wood preservative that can effectively improve the utilization and service life of wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) The Hoop Head Tenon-mortise Joint (HHTMJ) in the Tusi Manor in Tibetan areas in Yunnan, China, has a serious decay phenomenon. To understand the effect of decay on the seismic performance of HHTMJ, (2) the five groups of HHTMJ and small-size Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis wood mechanical property testing specimens were placed in an artificially set decay environment and cultivated together with wood decay fungi for 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks, respectively. Low-cycle repeated loading tests were conducted to compare the failure mode, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, and cumulative energy consumption of the HHTMJ under different decay cycles. (3) The results indicate that the failure mode of the HHTMJ is fractured at the tenon shoulder, and the deformation and failure of the tenon increase with the increase in decay. Compared with the non-decayed specimens, the ultimate bearing performance of the specimens after 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks of decay decreased by 8.83%, 16.97%, 19.69%, and 30.22%, respectively. The cumulative energy consumption decreased by 21.6%, 27.4%, 33.2%, and 41.3%, respectively. (4) Decay primarily occurs on the exterior of the tenon, with minimal decay on the interior. The degradation of seismic performance in HHTMJ is relatively close to the degradation observed in small-size wood specimens during mechanical property testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work carried out research to determine the possibilities of using graphene oxide to provide wood with new functional features. With the saturation parameters used and working liquid with a concentration of 0.004% graphene oxide, the retention of the nanomaterial in wood was 0.25 kg/m3. The presence of graphene oxide increased the crystallinity of the wood to 64% (compared with 57% for unmodified wood). The TG/DTG spectra of wood impregnated with graphene oxide and the control wood indicated that the initial weight loss of the samples observed at a temperature of 100 °C was similar and amounted to less than 4%. A second mass loss was observed in a temperature range of 270 to 380 °C. The mass loss in this temperature range reached 70% and was similar in the test and control samples. Wood modified with graphene oxide showed increased thermal stability in a temperature range of 360 to 660 °C compared with native wood. Given the results obtained, there were no statistically significant differences in the water absorption of modified or control wood. The presence of low concentrations of graphene oxide in the culture medium did not inhibit the growth of the fungus Trichoderma viride; however, a decrease in the growth activity of mycelial hyphae was observed with an increasing concentration of nanomaterial in the medium. It has been reported that graphene oxide, as a stress factor, initiates changes at the cellular level, characterized by the formation of structures called chlamydospores by the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservative of natural rubber latex (NRL) is essentially a kind of bactericide or bacteriostat, mainly used for sterilisation or inhibit bacterial breeding, which will improve the pH of latex. To maintain the colloidal stability and consider the needs of reality manufacture, the NRL preservative also needs to have the advantages in terms of low price, ease to obtain and use, low toxicity, etc. In this study, a derivative of s-triazine (HT), a derivative of 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MI) and 2-methyl-5-chloro-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMI) mixture (KS) are chosen as a non-ammonia preservative for NRL, which their effect on the structure and properties of NRL was investigated. The results of vulcanisation characteristics showed that the temperature dependence of the samples preserved by preservative HT was lower than that of ammonia and KS during the induction period (t10). The test results of molecular weight and cross-linking density showed that the addition of preservative HT could protect the molecular chain structure of NR. In terms of physical and mechanical properties, the performance of sample HT is similar to that of sample ammonia, but after thermo-oxidative ageing at 100 °C for 24 h, the tensile strength retention rate of the sample preserved by the preservative HT can still reach 78%, which is higher than that of the ammonia preserved sample. Therefore, Preservative HT is a relatively better preservative. Its addition will not affect the structure of NRL and the prepared NR has good physical and mechanical properties as well as thermo-oxidative resistance. It can be considered to replace ammonia as the NRL preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported that indoor odorous chloroanisoles (CAs) are still being emitted due to microbial methylation of hazardous chlorophenols (CPs) present in legacy wood preservatives. Meanwhile, Swedish researchers reported that this malodor, described since the early 1970s, is caused by hazardous mold. Here, we examined to what extent CP-treated wood contains mold and if mold correlates with perceived odor. We found no studies in PubMed or Web of Science addressing this question. Further, we investigated two schools built in the 1960s with odor originating from crawlspaces. No visible mold was evident in the crawlspaces or on the surfaces of treated wood samples. Using a microscope, varying amounts of mold growth were detected on the samples, all containing both CP(s) and CA(s). Some samples smelled, and the odor correlated with the amount of mold growth. We conclude that superficial microscopic mold on treated wood suffices produced the odor. Further, we argue that CPs rather than mold could explain the health effects reported in epidemiological studies that use mold odor as an indicator of hazardous exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review emphasizes the recent ongoing shift in the wood coating industry towards bio-based resources and circular economy principles, promoting eco-friendly alternatives. In addressing wood's vulnerabilities, this study investigates the use of natural compounds and biopolymers to enhance wood coatings. These materials contribute to protective matrices that safeguard wood surfaces against diverse challenges. Essential oils, vegetable oils, and bio-based polymers are explored for their potential in crafting eco-friendly and durable coating matrices. Furthermore, this review covers efforts to counter weathering and biological decay through the application of various natural compounds and extracts. It evaluates the effectiveness of different bio-based alternatives to traditional chemical preservatives and highlights promising candidates. This review also delves into the incorporation of sustainable pigments and dyes into wood coatings to enhance both protective and aesthetic qualities. Innovative pigments are able to provide visually appealing solutions in line with sustainability principles. As the wood coating industry embraces bio-based resources and the circular economy, researchers are actively developing protective solutions that encompass the coating matrix, preservatives, bio-based fillers, and natural-pigment dyes. This review showcases the continuous efforts of academia and industry to enhance wood coatings' effectiveness, durability, and sustainability, while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave (MW) treatment is an environmentally friendly and time-saving technique with great potential for generating wood-impregnation innovations. In this study, a microwave-assisted impregnation (MWAI) approach was developed to achieve adequate retention and fixing of alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) in refractory spruce wood. The synergistic effect of MW pre-and post-treatments in the impregnation procedure on wood's compressive strength (CS) and copper leaching resistance and valence conversion was investigated. In conclusion, highintensity MW pre-treatment and low-intensity MW post-treatment provided optimum results for the fixation of copper. Based on the results of the copper conversion assays, the same MWAI procedure is also predicted to give high biological efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Extractives, the non-structural component of woody biomass, are frequently targeted for their biocidal potential due to their evolutionary success in deterring pests in both standing trees and downed woody debris. Effective extractive utilization also offers an alternative product stream, where extractives are removed from the woody biomass that can further be used as feedstock for downstream processes (i.e., pulping, nanocellulose production, and biochar) once the extractives are removed. This review aims to provide details on prior studies using wood extractives as wood protectants, highlight the limitations to this approach, and discuss the research opportunities. Naturally durable wood pre-dates preservative-treated wood and has been demonstrated to offer a suitable service life for certain applications where preservative-treated wood is not feasible. Heartwood extractives have been demonstrated to impart bio-deteriorative resistance to naturally durable wood species. These extractives are typically found in the heartwood of living trees and are produced either by the death of parenchyma cells or as the result of external stimuli. The mechanisms of natural durability are not well understood, as heartwood extractives can be extremely variable in their distribution, composition, and efficacy in both living and harvested trees. The underlying complexity of heartwood extractives has hindered their standardization in residential building codes for use as wood preservatives. The use of naturally durable lumber is not always feasible, as woods with exceptionally durable heartwood do not typically yield lumber with acceptable machining properties. A potential approach to overcome the inherent difficulty in establishing guidelines for the appropriate use of naturally durable wood is to focus solely on the extractives as a source of bioactive protectants based on the strategies used on living and dead wood to repel the agents of biodeterioration. This critical review summarizes the relevant literature on naturally durable woods, their extractives, and their potential use as bio-inspired wood protectants. An additional discussion will be aimed at underscoring the past difficulties in adopting this approach and how to overcome the future hurdles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon allocation has been fundamental for long‐lived trees to survive cold stress at their upper elevation range limit. Although carbon allocation between non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) storage and structural growth is well‐documented, it still remains unclear how ongoing climate warming influences these processes, particularly whether these two processes will shift in parallel or respond divergently to warming. Using a combination of an in situ downward‐transplant warming experiment and an ex situ chamber warming treatment, we investigated how subalpine fir trees at their upper elevation limit coordinated carbon allocation priority among different sinks (e.g., NSC storage and structural growth) at whole‐tree level in response to elevated temperature. We found that transplanted individuals from the upper elevation limit to lower elevations generally induced an increase in specific leaf area, but there was no detected evidence of warming effect on leaf‐level saturated photosynthetic rates. Additionally, our results challenged the expectation that climate warming will accelerate structural carbon accumulation while maintaining NSC constant. Instead, individuals favored allocating available carbon to NSC storage over structural growth after 1 year of warming, despite the amplification in total biomass encouraged by both in situ and ex situ experimental warming. Unexpectedly, continued warming drove a regime shift in carbon allocation priority, which was manifested in the increase of NSC storage in synchrony to structural growth enhancement. These findings imply that climate warming would release trees at their cold edge from C‐conservative allocation strategy of storage over structural growth. Thus, understanding the strategical regulation of the carbon allocation priority and the distinctive function of carbon sink components is of great implication for predicting tree fate in the future climate warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing shortage of petroleum resources and the growing seriousness of environmental pollution, the exploitation and application of bio-based coatings derived from renewable resources have become increasingly important for the woodworking industry. Wood wax oil (WWO) is a new type of bio-based natural coating material that offers an eco-friendly solution for wood protection. This paper focused on the utilization of tung oil and beeswax as the primary raw materials for the preparation of wood wax oil. The WWO was based on the oxidation polymerization of tung oil, which served as the foundation for the preparation process. The effects of the photoinitiator TPO-L on the curing performance of the WWO were investigated, and the curing mechanism of the WWO system induced by photoinitiators was analyzed and characterized by infrared spectroscopy. Through ultraviolet irradiation experiments and coating quality tests, the effects of incremental photoinitiators on the properties of the surface drying time, gloss, color, hydrophobicity, and solution resistance of the treated ash wood were studied. The results indicated that the addition of photoinitiators was beneficial for the rapid polymerization of wood wax oil. A UV light intensity of 30 w was found to be sufficient to initiate the curing process. Specifically, when using TPO-L as the initiator at a concentration of 3 wt%, the surface could be surface-dried within 10 min under UV exposure. Under these curing conditions, wood wax oil coatings based on tung oil with comprehensive curing properties can be obtained. Additionally, adding 6% beeswax to the tung oil can effectively enhance the hydrophobicity of pure tung-oil-based wood protective coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative wood preservative technology prevents wood damage and enhances wood service life for local construction in contact with the ground contact. Hence, the promotion of wood preservative technology and the evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and behavioral intention necessitate a causal effect relationship assessment in rural Ethiopia. Farmers were invited for the training in rural kebele, where subterranean termites highly affected local construction with ground contact. During the training, theoretical, demonstration, and group discussion were used as methods for technology transfer. Accordingly, the causal effect relationship of knowledge, attitude, and behavioral intention was evaluated using PLS_SEM using Smart PLS 4 version software. The study results show that, due to local experience, using used motor oil is better preferred over others chemical preservatives. The practical method demonstration influences the attitude of farmers toward future applications. The causal effect analysis result shows that knowledge directly influences attitude (ß = 0.609; P-value = 0.000), and subsequently, an attitude directly influences behavioral intention (ß = 0.822; P-value = 0.000). Thus, attitude mediates the causal effect relationship between the knowledge and behavioral intention of the farmers. Therefore, the study implies that expanding knowledge of local experience and practical training on technical skills for rural farmers should be given primary attention for forest product technology promotion in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The piezoelectric sensors modified with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with potassium sorbate (MIP-E202) and sodium benzoate (MIP-E211) imprints are tested and implemented in the determination of preservatives in soft drinks. Molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized by noncovalent imprinting on the base of copolymer of 1,2,4,5-benzene tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl oxide in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of templates. Piezoelectric sensors based on MIP and non-imprinted polymer (polyimide) were compared. High values of the imprinting factor (IF) and selectivity coefficient (k) obtained for MIP-E202 (IF = 5.4) and MIP-E211 (IF = 6.0) sensors indicated better selectivity and ability of MIP-based sensors to recognize target molecules than piezoelectric sensors modified with a reference polymer. The detectable concentrations range within 5–500 mg/L; the detection limits for potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are 1.6 and 2.0 mg/L, respectively. The correctness of the determination of preservatives in model solutions was verified using the spike test. MIP-based sensors appeared sensitive to the determination of preservatives and insensitive to interfering substances. The matrix composition of the nonalcoholic drinks did not affect the value of the analytical signal of the piezoelectric sensor. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used as a reference method. The results of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate determination in nonalcoholic drinks using piezoelectric sensors match the HPLC data rather well, their content in the studied soft drinks being 130–176 and 129–146 mg/L, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the uptake of castor oil (CAO) in some wood specimens and the effect of CAO on the leaching ability, dimensional stability and fungal-decay resistance of the wood specimens. CAO was infused into the specimens using a pressure treatment. Uptakes of CAO penetrated in yellow poplar (YEP), Japanese cedar (JAC) and Douglas fir (DOF) blocks were higher than 100 %. The leaching ability of the CAO-based suspensions against saline water was the lowest in YEP, followed by Japanese larch (LAR), JAC and DOF. The retention values were 90 % or higher in most of the specimens. Radial and tangential swellings of CAO-treated strips submerged in saline water for 2 weeks were restrained compared to control specimens. No significant differences were found between bending strength and Janka hardness of CAO-treated and control strips. CAO treatment provided acceptable decay resistance to most wood specimens against Fomitopsis palustris and Trametes versicolor. Retention of CAO in the leached strips were identified through X-ray microscopic observation. Based on the results, CAO was determined to be an effective agent for improving the dimensional stability of wood. These results demonstrate the great potential of CAO as an environmentally friendly wood preservative and dimensional stabilizer, allowing CAO-permeated wood as raw materials for both indoor and outdoor use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant remains from land, particularly sunken wood, represent significant input of organic matter into the generally oligotrophic deep sea, leading to the formation of macrofaunal assemblages around them. Following the onset of decomposition by wood-boring bivalves, microbes and fungi the wood eventually becomes an anoxic and reducing environment attracting chemosynthetic fauna. Wood falls have primarily been studied by either opportunistic sampling by trawls or artificial deployments, while in situ observations of natural systems remain scarce. Here, we report a natural late-stage wood-fall community at 5505 m depth in the Northwestern Pacific abyssal plain by a manned submersible. Our observations revealed details in faunal distribution that cannot be obtained by trawled material, including the presence of associated xenophyophores. We identified a total of 26 animal species and one xenophyophore from the wood fall including both wood-associated and chemosymbiotic taxa, although cocculiniform limpets were conspicuously missing. Living xylophagaid bivalves were also not observed, but the wood was heavily burrowed and they were clearly once present. This rare finding improves our understanding of deep abyssal wood falls at the senescence stage, and highlights the importance of direct seafloor observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, pine sapwood was first impregnated with micronized copper (Cu) solution at concentrations of 5 and 10%, the samples then dried and impregnated with ethyl palmitate as a bio-based phase change material (BPCM). The leakage test showed slightly less leakage in this scenario compare to controls without copper. The mould test showed using copper solution, significattly improves the resistance of the composites to mould growth. Thermal tests showed using BPCM improves thermal conductivity and thermal mass of the composites, enabling them to store and release energy within the temperature range of 20-25°C. It is observed that the copper did not improve thermal conductivity, and 5% copper showed the best performance in thermal mass improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood is a commonly used material in construction. However, its application is limited due to its flammability. Modification of wood with phenol-formaldehyde resin (PF) can improve many of its inherent properties, but does not upgrade its fire resistance. To address this issue, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood was impregnated with a low molecular weight PF resin and phosphate-based flame retardant (FR). The fixation of the FR was evaluated using an accelerated ageing procedureaccording to the EN 84 standard (CEN 2020: EN 84 (2020) Wood Preservatives – Accelerated Ageing of Treated Wood Prior to Biological Testing - Leaching Procedure (Brussels, Belgium: European Committee for Standardization)). The thermal stability, flammability and heat release of treated wood were analysed before and after a leaching test. The combination of PF and FR treatment significantly improved the thermal stability, reduced flammability and decreased the heat release, as evidenced by a 82% and 86% reduction in total heat release within 600 s compared to untreated wood and pure PF-treated wood, respectively. The improved fire performance was also observed for the leached wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid naturally present in the environment, in food, water, soil, and air; however, its chronic exposure, even with low doses, represents a public health concern. For a long time, As was used as a pigment, pesticide, wood preservative, and for medical applications; its industrial use has recently decreased or has been discontinued due to its toxicity. Due to its versatile applications and distribution, there is a wide spectrum of human As exposure sources, mainly contaminated drinking water. The fact that As is present in drinking water implies chronic human exposure to this metalloid; it has become a worldwide health problem, since over 200 million people live where As levels exceed safe ranges. Many health problems have been associated with As chronic exposure including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disturbances, and brain dysfunctions. Because As can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the brain represents a target organ where this metalloid can exert its long-term toxic effects. Many mechanisms of As neurotoxicity have been described: oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction; all of them can converge, thus leading to impaired cellular functions, cell death, and in consequence, long-term detrimental effects. Here, we provide a current overview of As toxicity and integrated the global mechanisms involved in cognitive and behavioral impairment induced by As exposure show experimental strategies against its neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the optimization and performance evaluation of a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD) method for the simultaneous determination of four sweeteners (acesulfame-potassium, saccharin, aspartame, and rebaudioside A), two preservatives (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate), and caffeine in sugar-free drinks are presented. The separation was carried out using a gradient elution of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (12.5 mM, pH = 3.3) on a reversed-phase column. Under the optimized conditions, the method allowed for the specific and selective simultaneous separation of all target analytes in less than 9 min. The developed HPLC–DAD method was validated and demonstrated excellent linearity (all analytical curves showed R2 ≥ 0.9995), satisfactory accuracy (recovery values ranging between 94.1 and 99.2% in real samples), and repeatability (intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were ≤ 2.49%). Overall, 69 products available in the Hungarian market were successfully tested with the applied method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood is a widely available material that has long been used in various applications. Protection of wood products from degradation due to biotic and abiotic factors is crucial. Traditional wood preservatives have proven their effectiveness in preventing wood deterioration; however, they have serious environmental and disposal concerns. Pressure or non-pressure treatments to impregnate the biocide into the wood are desired. Thermal and chemical modifications also provide biological resistance and enhance the dimensional properties of wood. Recently, several other advanced methods are also being used; however, more knowledge needs to be explored, including safety for the environment. This review provides an overview of factors that cause the degradation of wood, and the evolution of wood preservatives over time is discussed, along with recent advancements. The impact of wood preservatives on the environment is also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different microwave energy densities (0, 60, 80, and 100 kWh/m3) on the gas permeability of sapwood and heartwood of radiata pine in the longitudinal, radial, and tangential directions were investigated. The multi-scale pore size distribution was systematically analyzed with various analytical methods. High intensity microwave (HIMW) treatment significantly improved the gas permeability of the wood in three directions, and the gas permeability was positively correlated with the microwave energy density. The gas permeability of the treated sapwood was 1.6–2.5 times higher, and that of the treated heartwood was more than 6 times higher than the untreated wood at the microwave energy density of 100 kWh/m3. The HIMW treatment significantly affected the pore size distribution. In the micropore–mesopore (< 50 nm) range, the surface area and average pore diameter of the treated sapwood samples were 10.68% and 17.12% higher, respectively, and the total pore volume was 31.50% lower than that of the untreated sample. However, the specific surface area and total pore volume of the heartwood samples were 14.92% and 26.06% lower, respectively, and the average pore diameter was 35.55% higher at the microwave energy density of 100 kWh/m3. Treated wood mainly had slit-shaped mesopores (< 10 nm). For macropores (> 50 nm), treated sapwood displayed 20.57% total pore volume increase and 11.66% porosity rise; treated heartwood showed 31.24% total pore volume rise and 20.78% porosity increment. Furthermore, SEM results showed HIMW treatment damaged weak structures like the compound middle lamella and ray parenchyma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, short-term accelerated creep tests were conducted using the stepped isostress method (SSM) to investigate the impact of hydrothermal treatment on the long-term creep behaviour of Japanese cedar wood and to determine optimal hydrothermal treatment conditions. The results showed that SSM can effectively predict the creep behaviour of hydrothermally treated wood. Among the treatment conditions tested, Japanese cedar wood treated hydrothermally at 180 °C for 4 h exhibited higher flexural strength retention (91%) and moisture excluding efficiency (MEE) (44%) and demonstrated superior creep resistance compared to untreated wood. When subjected to a 30% average breaking load (ABL) over 20 years, the specimen's creep compliance, instantaneous creep compliance, b value, activation volume, and improvement in creep resistance (ICR) were 0.17 GPa−1, 0.139 GPa−1, 0.15, 1.619 nm3, and 4%, respectively. The results indicate that subjecting Japanese cedar wood to hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C for 4 h has a negligible effect on its flexural properties but results in significant improvements in both dimensional stability and creep resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the application of bleaching treatments, the color of the wood material changes. When different bleaching agents are applied to the same wood, different results are likely to be obtained. In this study, wood species doussié (Afzelia africana), iatandza (Albizia ferruginea), merbau (Intsia bijuga (Colebr.) O. Kuntze), mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni L.), and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) along with one and two component (BOne- C and B-Two-C) wood bleaching chemicals were applied to the wood material surfaces with sponge technique. Then, color parameters (ho: hue angle, a*: red color tone, b*: yellow color tone, C*: chroma, and L*: lightness) were determined on bleached and unbleached materials. According to the results obtained, B-One-C application increased ho, a*, b*, C*, and L* values in all wood species. The highest ΔE* values were determined in mahogany, doussié, hornbeam, and merbau wood species treated with B-Two-C. The chemicals used in the study showed different results on the same wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) in smart floor systems, highlighting their strong electrical rectification abilities and previously established wood preservative properties. Two types of TSILs, featuring a "sweet" anion and a terpene-based cation, were used to treat selected wood samples, allowing for a comparison of their physical and electrical performance with untreated and commercially treated counterparts. Drop shape analysis and scanning electron microscopy were employed to evaluate the surface treatment before and after coating. Near-IR was used to confirm the presence of a surface modifier, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was utilized to assess the thermal features of the treated samples. The different surface treatments resulted in varied triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) parameters, with the molecular structure and size of the side chains being the key determining factors. The best results were achieved with TSILs, with the instantaneous voltage increasing by approximately five times and the highest voltage reaching 300 V under enhanced loading. This work provides fresh insights into the potential application spectrum of TSILs and opens up new avenues for directly utilizing tested ionic compounds in construction systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural durability is one of the most rated features in wood end-use applications. In fact, several precious native tropical wood species produce timber of high natural durability, which is also related to long service life even for the highest hazard classes. However, selective logging is driving the existing volume of this group of species to near extinction. The remainder of the alternative species produces perishable timbers, which require synthetic chemical protection to prolong their service life but with detrimental effects on humans and the environment. Therefore, transferable durability has emerged as an alternative to gradually substitute traditional wood preservatives. From this approach, extractives from naturally durable wood species are removed and transferred to the non-durable wood species as an alternative environmental-friendly option for wood protection. Indeed, extractives from durable wood species have proven to have a deterrent effect on fungi, bacteria and termites and could be used to protect perishable wood species. Thus, this review aims to assess the prospects of developing environmentally friendly wood preservatives based on extractives sourced from highly natural, durable wood species to treat and add value to the group of perishable timbers. A step-wise analysis offers insights and challenges on (i) potential sources of extractives; (ii) effective extraction methods; (iii) extractive-based preservative formulation; and (iv) effective treatment methods for better preservative fixation for better wood protection. Accounts about the way forward for the development of extractive-based wood preservatives are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an optical bio-chemical sensor based on D-shaped optical fiber is presented for ethanol detection application. The gold and graphene nanolayers are coated for inducing the SPR over an optical fiber flat surface. The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) thin film is also coated over the gold film to enhance the molecular interaction between the sensing fluid and the sensing surface. The ethanol concentration is detected with reference to the 0% concentration and increased to 90% in a sample solution. The shift in resonance wavelength detects the concentration of the ethanol in the fluid sample due to the change in RI. The result shows a very good agreement between the concentration of ethanol in fluid and the resonance wavelength (RW) shift. The maximum obtained average sensitivity is 2.5 nm/concentration (every 10%) or 714 nm/RIU with Au/MIP thin film and 1137 nm/RIU for graphene/Au/MIP thin film. Based on the result and optical properties of the proposed sensor, it might be used as a real-time alcohol detector. This sensor can protect foods and drinks from the imbalance of chemicals and preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of environmentally friendly materials based on natural and biodegradable sources, such as starch, represents an interesting alternative to attend to the environmental problems caused by excess waste from petroleum-based packaging. The use of emulsions to obtain edible films is a novel strategy to be explored to determine how formulation and constitution affect film properties. In such context, gelatinized tapioca starch (TS) and oregano essential oil (OEO) were used to produce new active edible films using casting technique and their physical and antimicrobial properties were studied. Regarding the emulsion constitution, which was obtained employing an high-speed homogenizer, exposure to ultrasound (US) and surfactant Tween 80 (T80) content, had relevant effects on micro (0.2 to 105 μm) and nanometric (63 to 212 nm) size distributions of the TS particles and the OEO droplets. Exposure to US reduced (4.8–34 μm) and stabilized microparticles but promoted nanoparticle aggregation during storage, independently of T80 addition. T80 helped to stabilize coarse emulsions showing a Sauter diameter of 21.4 μm along storage. Films from coarse emulsions containing OEO and T80 were stiffer (stress at break: 1.8 MPa), less soluble in water (≈ 35%) and yellowish than films without T80. In addition, surfactant promoted a discontinuous microstructure of the film matrix. Both films containing OEO showed a good capacity to inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms (≈ 2.5–4 log cycles reductions). Due to their performance as physical and antimicrobial barriers, the films can be proposed as active packaging alternatives to stabilize and release natural preservatives to promote food preservation during storage and as a tool to support environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research is dedicated to investigating the fire hazard risks of molten metal particles from electrical wires or devices, in enclosed places (houses, factories, etc.). A mathematical model is proposed for the calculation of the temperature of the molten particles as well as the heat flux they can transfer to the attached surface and the temperature of the attached surface. It is concluded that the probability of fire ignition for a specific bed is a function of the molten particles' diameter and the ratio of the contact to total surface. The proposed model can be used for fire investigation analysis in indoor places due to potential electric faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns about the health and environmental risks linked with the use of preservatives, such as chromate copper arsenate (CCA), zinc chloride, mercuric chloride, and the oil-born preservative creosote, prompted the quest for the use of readily available bitumen as a wood preservative. Using samples that had been processed into dimensions of 20 × 20 × 60 mm, the durability and physical characteristics of Gmelina arborea wood treated with bitumen were evaluated. The samples were dried for 24 hours in an oven set to 103°C and treated with hot bitumen at a melting point of 270°C to ensure the flow and maximum penetration of the bitumen. The density showed mean values of 504.93 and 498.71 kg/m3 for the untreated and treated samples, respectively, with the treated samples recording lower values due to the thermal difference in the density distribution between the untreated and treated wood samples. The average weight loss due to leaching of the untreated and treated wood samples after soaking in cold water and hot water was 3.07% and 0.07%, 1.49% and 1.38% respectively for the treatment. The study confirmed the suitability of using bitumen as a preservative for treating G. arborea wood in an environment with extreme weather conditions without causing serious leaching, thereby exposing the wood to degrading agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-friendly approaches to wood treatment have gained increasing attention due to the adverse impact chemical preservatives have on the environment. In this study, tin-based alloy was used as a heating media in the tin-based thermal treatment (TTT) of Pinus massoniana wood to improve the durability and other properties of the wood. The tin alloy was used for the treatment of the wood samples at 150, 180 and 210oC for 2, 6 and 8h. To evaluate the effect of TTT, wood durability, shrinkage and swelling, anti-swelling efficiency, weight loss and water absorption were examined. The results showed that all the tested properties were improved at high temperatures respectively, indicating that tin alloy was effective in the modification of P. massoniana wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]