Effects of nano-sized zinc oxide and zinc borate impregnation on brown rot resistance of black pine (Pinus nigra L.) wood

In this work, the brown rot resistance of black pine (Pinus nigra L.) wood, pressure-treated in an autoclave with nano-sized zinc borate and zinc oxide dispersions, was investigated. The two formulations based on zinc borate have given encouraging results, indicating fungicide effects of the metal nanoparticles on Coniophora puteana. In specific, mean weight losses for P. nigra sapwood exposed to this fungus (one without and one with the addition of a binder) were negligible, that is 0.54% and 0.34%, respectively. On the contrary, the impregnation of pine wood with nano-sized zinc oxide resulted in minimal protection, i.e. 35.9% weight loss. Therefore, nano-sized zinc borate can be utilised in new formulations to impart resistance to wood against the brown rot C. puteana.