Cyproconazole impregnation into wood using sub- and supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract

Supercritical fluid (SCF) impregnation is a promising preservative treatment method for wood. In order to commercialize the sub- and supercritical CO2 biocide treatment, better understanding of the fluid phase and its effect on treatment results have to be demonstrated and developed. Preservative treatability under super- and subcritical fluid conditions was evaluated using radiata pine sapwood, and treating characteristics in relation to different fluid phases and treatability were discussed. Various treatment conditions resulted in varying biocide retentions and distributions. Higher pressure conditions enhanced biocide retentions resulting from increasing biocide input in the applied saturation method. Subcritical CO2 condition produced higher biocide retentions and little retention gradients from face to core. Subcritical CO2 treatment has a couple of benefits such as investment costs and energy consumption compared with supercritical CO2.