InTrans / Aug 14, 2018
Preservative treatment evaluation of red maple and yellow poplar with ACQ-B
This project sought to determine if there was a difference in treatment results of selected refractory hardwood species by comparing a heated solution of ammoniacal copper quaternary compound-Type B (ACQ-B) to an ambient solution of ACQ-B using three pressure period durations. Nominal 2-by-4 samples, 6 inches long, of red maple and yellow-poplar heartwood were end-sealed and vacuum/pressure treated with a 1 percent active ingredient solution of ACQ-B. Duration of pressure was varied as well as temperature of solution. Measurements were taken of minimum and maximum penetration, percentage of cross-sectional area penetrated, and retention of preservative as determined by x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis (ASOMA). Statistical analysis indicated improved penetration into yellow-poplar heartwood when the preservative solution was heated. Red maple results were inconclusive in that there was difficulty in
differentiating heartwood and confirming the refractory nature of the species.