Sorption Properties of Wood Impregnated with Boron Compounds, Sodium Chloride and Glucose

Chemical protection is one of the possible treatment processes that influence the sorption characteristics of wood. In the present research we have investigated the influence of biocides (boric acid, borax) and their concentrations on the sorption characteristic of impregnated wood. For comparison, two other chemicals were included in the research as well (NaCl and glucose). The equilibrium moisture content during the adsorption and desorption process at five levels of relative humidity (1=20%, 2=33%, 3=65%, 4=88%, and 5=98%) was monitored. The results showed that impregnation does not influence the wood moisture content of specimens conditioned at low relative air humidity. In the upper hygroscopic region, moisture content is significantly influenced by the concentration and properties of impregnation chemicals. The Guggenheim-Andersen-deBoer (GAB) and Dent models of sorption isotherms was fitted to experimental data to explain the sorption mechanisms in detail.