PRESERVATION OF TIMBER
Preservation of timber is carried out to increase the life of timber. Preservation is done using different types of preservatives. Methods and different materials used for preservation of timber is discussed.
Increasing life makes timber more durable and it can be used for longer periods. Preservation also helps the timber to get rid of insects and fungi etc.
Properties of Good Preservative for Timber
- It should be effortlessly and cheaply available.
- It should not contain any harmful substances, gases etc.
- It should be economical.
- Decorative treatment or any surface treatment should be allowed on timber after the application of preservative.
- Strength of timber should not be affected by the preservative.
- It should not contain any unpleasant smell.
- It should not get affected by light, heat, water etc.
- It should not get affected by fungi, insects etc. and should also efficient to kill them.
- It should not generate flame when contacts with fire.
- It should not corrode metals when it makes a contact with them.
- The depth of penetration of preservative in wood fibers should be minimum 6mm to 25mm.
Different Types of Preservatives for Timber
- Coal tar
- ASCU
- Chemical slats
- Oil paints
- Solignum paints
- Creosote oil
Coal Tar for Preservation of Timber
Coal tar is heated and obtained liquid hot tar is applied on timber surface using brush. Coal tar contains unpleasant smell and does not allow paint on it.
So, it is used for door frames, window frames etc. It is very cheap and has good fire resistance.
ASCU Preservative for Timber
ASCU is a special preservative which is available in powder form. It is dissolved in water to get preservative solution.
It should be added 6 parts by weight of ASCU in 100 parts by weight of water. The final solution is applied on timber by spraying. This solution does not contain any odor. It is useful mainly to get rid of from white ants.
ASCU contains hydrated arsenic pent oxide, copper sulphate or blue vitriol and sodium dichromate or potassium dichromate in it. After applying ASCU, the timber can be coated with paint, varnished etc.
Chemical Slats for Preservation of Timber
Chemical salts like copper sulphate, mercury chloride and zinc chloride are used as preservative which can be dissolved in water to get liquid solution. They are odorless and do not generate flames when contact with fire.
Oil Paints Preservatives for Timber
Oil paints are suitable for well-seasoned wood. They are generally applied in 2 or 3 coats. Oil paints prevents timber from moisture. If timber is not seasoned, then oil paints may lead to decay of timber by confining sap.
Solignum Paints for Preservation of Timber
Solignum paints are applied in hot condition using brush. They are well suitable for preserving timber from white ants. Solignum paints can be used by adding color pigments so, the timber has good appearance.
Creosote Oil for Preservation of Timber
Creosote oil is prepared by the distillation of tar. It is black or brown in color. It contains unpleasant smell. It is applied in a special manner.
Firstly, the timber is well seasoned and dried. Then, it is placed in airtight chamber and inside air is pumped out. Finally creosote oil is pumped into the chamber with high pressure about 0.7 to 1 N/mm2 at a temperature of 50oC.
After allowing it for 2 hours, the timber absorbs creosote oil sufficiently and taken out from the chamber.
Creosote oil is flammable so, it is not used for timber works in fireplaces. It is generally used for wood piles, poles, railway sleepers etc.
