Wood degradation explained

Wood degradation is a complex process influenced by various biological, chemical, and environmental factors. It significantly impacts the durability and longevity of wood products and structures, necessitating effective preservation and protection strategies. It primarily involves fungi, bacteria, and insects. Fungi are the most significant agents, causing decay through the breakdown of wood's structural components, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.[1] [2] Chemical degradation is likewise significant. Degradation of wood in a concrete matrix is mostly attributed to the affect of alkaline environment and hydrolysis of lignin and hemicellulose[3] [4] and elevated temperatures may accelerate the degradation process of the cell walls.[5]

Prevention

Applying preservatives, such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) or borates, can protect wood from biological and chemical degradation.[6]

Coatings, such as paints, varnishes, and water repellents, provide a barrier against moisture and UV radiation. Advanced coatings containing UV stabilizers and biocides offer enhanced protection.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Blanchette . Robert . Decay of wood by brown-rot fungi . ResearchGate.
  2. Web site: Bacterial Degradation of Wood . ResearchGate.
  3. Li . Juan . Kasal . Bohumil . July 2023 . Degradation Mechanism of the Wood-Cell Wall Surface in a Cement Environment Measured by Atomic Force Microscopy . Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering . en . 35 . 7 . 10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-14910 . 0899-1561.
  4. Li . Juan . Kasal . Bohumil . 2022-08-10 . The immediate and short-term degradation of the wood surface in a cement environment measured by AFM . Materials and Structures . en . 55 . 7 . 179 . 10.1617/s11527-022-01988-8 . 1871-6873. free .
  5. Li . Juan . Kasal . Bohumil . 2022-04-11 . Effects of Thermal Aging on the Adhesion Forces of Biopolymers of Wood Cell Walls . Biomacromolecules . en . 23 . 4 . 1601–1609 . 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01397 . 1525-7797 . 9006222 . 35303409.
  6. Web site: US EPA . OCSPP . 2014-01-16 . Chromated Arsenicals (CCA) . 2024-06-19 . www.epa.gov . en.
  7. Web site: Natural bio-based products for wood coating and protection against degradation: A Review :: BioResources . 2024-06-19 . bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu.

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