Effect of boric acid treatment on decay resistance and mechanical properties of poplar wood

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the effect of boric acid treatment upon the decay resistance and mechanical properties of poplar wood. Test specimens were prepared from poplar wood (Populus nigra L.) to meet ASTM D 143-94 and BS 838:1961 requirements. Samples were impregnated with boric acid solution (0.5, 1, and 2% w/w in distilled water) and by a long-term (21 days) dipping technique to reach complete saturation. Impregnated specimens were exposed to rainbow white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor) for 14 weeks according to BS 838:1961 as applied by the kolle-flask method. The weight loss, compression strength parallel to the grain, and Brinell hardness were determined after impregnation and exposure to white-rot fungus. The highest weight loss (28.60%) was observed for untreated control samples and the lowest (0.63%) occurred in samples treated with 2% boric acid solution. The highest compression strength parallel to the grain was noted in samples treated with 0.5% boric acid and decayed (22.59 MPa) and the lowest compression strength parallel to the grain was recorded in untreated decayed samples (10.42 MPa). The highest Brinell hardness on tangential surface was observed in samples treated with 1% boric acid and decayed (1.32 KN) and the lowest was noted in untreated decayed samples (0.39 KN). The highest Brinell hardness on radial surface was observed in samples treated with 1% boric acid and decayed (1.07 KN) and the lowest was found in untreated decayed samples (0.35 KN).