Factors affecting the introduction of preservatives into wood

The various processes by which preservatives may be introduced into wood are discussed. Important variables affecting rate and depth of preservative penetration are considered. As well as process variables such as applied pressure and treatment time, it is shown how mass flow processes are affected by carrier fluid viscosity and surface properties. Because of anatomical variation, wood permeability varies greatly both within and between species. Hence it is necessary to select species carefully when treatment is required. The mechanism of diffusion treatment is discussed and it is shown that this process can provide an effective treatment method for otherwise refractory species.