ABSTRACTIMPROVING PENETRATION OF COPPER IN MICRONIZED COPPER AZOLE PRESSURE TREATED MICHIGAN RED PINEBy John RademacherMichigan red pine Pinus resinosa is a critical part of the Great Lakes region lumber industry. The species is used for various applications such as telephone poles, dimensional lumber, decking and various other uses. This species is native to the Great Lakes meaning lower shipping costs and the creation of local jobs. The goal of this study overall was to improve the penetration of MCA pressure treated red pine. Using duration, steaming and penetration enhancers we were able to increase the penetration to allow some samples to pass the AWPA penetration standard. We found that the average solution uptake of the treated samples was 47% for spring samples, 106% for summer samples and 79% for fall and winter samples. Steaming alone created better penetration than non-steamed samples but with the addition of penetration enhancers we were able to boost the penetration to levels we had not observed with other treatments as indicated above. Penetration enhancers alone greatly increased the penetration but the steaming would allow for a higher moisture content, which in turn swelled the wood allowing PE to aid greater penetration. Anatomically, red pine has issues with high resin content and pit aspiration, which was observed but a conclusion has was not reached as to what causes the pit aspiration or why aspiration is sporadic in red pine samples regardless of drying or treating
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