Developing environmentally benign and effective organic wood preservatives by understanding the biocidal and non-biocidal properties of extractives in naturally durable heartwood

Nursen Binbuga; Christopher Ruhs; Julia K. Hasty; William P. Henry; Tor P. Schultz

doi:10.1515/HF.2008.038

Article

Developing environmentally benign and effective organic wood preservatives by understanding the biocidal and non-biocidal properties of extractives in naturally durable heartwood

Nursen Binbuga , Christopher Ruhs , Julia K. Hasty , William P. Henry and Tor P. Schultz

Published/Copyright: March 27, 2008

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From the journal Volume 62 Issue 3

Abstract

Wood products for exterior residential applications have long been protected with metallic preservatives. However, environmental and disposal concerns and governmental regulations have resulted in a growing trend to employ organic systems based on relatively benign and expensive agrochemicals. To develop organic preservatives that have increased efficacy and lower cost, various groups are studying the biocidal and non-biocidal properties of extractives present in naturally durable heartwoods. In this study, we determined the fungicidal, free radical scavenger/antioxidant, metal chelation and Fe³⁺ reducing properties of some flavones and flavonoid analogs and chromones. The results support our earlier hypothesis that the abiotic antioxidant, Fe³⁺ reduction and subsequent metal complexation properties, in combination with the extractives’ fungicidal properties, all have a role in natural durability. Consequently, it may be possible to employ non-biocidal additive(s) with the above abiotic properties to enhance the efficacy of the relatively expensive organic agrochemicals used to protect wood.

Keywords: antioxidant activity; chromones; decay fungi; flavones; Fe3+ reducing activity; free radicals; fungicidal activity; heartwood; metal chelation; natural durability; organic biocides; wood preservation

Corresponding authors. W.P. Henry, Department of Chemistry, Box 9573, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA Phone: +1-662-325-7606, wph1@ra.msstate.edu T.P. Schultz, Forest Products Laboratory, Box 9820, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA Phone: +1-662-325-3136, tschultz@cfr.msstate.edu

Received: 2007-9-25

Accepted: 2007-10-12

Published Online: 2008-03-27

Published Online: 2008-12-10

Published in Print: 2008-05-01

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/HF.2008.038

Keywords for this article

antioxidant activity; chromones; decay fungi; flavones; Fe3+ reducing activity; free radicals; fungicidal activity; heartwood; metal chelation; natural durability; organic biocides; wood preservation