Boron-based wood preservative is currently widely used in non-structural products such as furniture and window skirting. Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) is a boron-based formulation used as wood preservative. This study evaluated the relative ability of various concentrations of DOT in improving the durability of selected Malaysian timber species (Hopea sp., Irvingia malayana, Cynometra sp. and Hevea brasiliensis) in order to fulfil hazard class 2 (H2) condition. DOT-treated wood were tested in accelerated laboratory tests against subterranean termite (Coptotermus curvignathus) for 4 weeks and decay fungi (Lentinus sajor-caju and Coriolus versicolor) for 16 weeks. The results indicated that DOT improved the durability of all timber species tested against termite and white-rot fungi for use under H2 condition. DOT was easily impregnated into the wood using pressure treatment processes.
Natural resistance of nine Malaysian woods to Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) a subterranean termite has been discussed.Wood species included are keledang, kelat, kempas, rengas, perah mempening, jati, kembang semangkok and kedondong. Of these, teak proved most resistant to termite attack. Keledang, rengas, kempas and kelat demonstrated somewhat less, but still significant termite resistance. The remaining wood species were very susceptible to termite attack and require treatment if they are to be used for applications where there is a termite hazard.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.