Biodegradable substances in wood protection

Timber is a sustainable, economical, completely renewable, CO2-neutral organic material, which requires less energy to process than other construction materials. Wood is also a strong, aesthetically pleasing, and very durable material when properly maintained and used. However, under certain conditions of exposure or use — particularly when it becomes wet — wood may be rapidly decomposed due to organic decay or natural weathering agents. Decay is caused by the action of fungal microorganisms under adequate moisture and oxygen conditions for an extended period of time (Sell and Leukens 1971). The various effects of combinations of light, water, mechanical forces and heat, are covered in the blanket term weathering (Wood finishing... 1975). The deterioration of wood is thus caused by a combination of biological, chemical, and physical processes, with water playing an important role in every case. The decay and discoloration caused by fungi, and to a lesser extent by bacteria, are major sources of quality loss in both timber production and the various uses of wood. In order to ensure a long, useful, and safe life, timber needs protection from the hazards of fungal decay and weathering.