Laboratory evaluation of boron-containing quaternary ammonia compound, didecyl dimethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate (DBF) for inhibition of mold and stain fungi

This study evaluated the ability of boron-containing quaternary ammonia compound, didecyl dimethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate (DBF) for inhibition of mold and stain fungi in comparison with another quaternary ammonia compound, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) and a commercial boron wood preservative, disodium octoborate tetrahydrate (DOT). The ability of the chemicals to inhibit discolorations by selected mold and stain fungi was screened in laboratory conditions. Both DBF and DDAC at 1% concentration provided protection against the fungi tested, however DOT at all concentrations showed no protection for the entire testing period. On the other hand, DBF and DDAC at lower solution strengths were capable of protecting wood against the fungi for a short term (2 weeks).