GB487041A - Process for the treatment of wood - Google Patents

Abstract

Wood is rendered more resistant to water, flames, and organisms by impregnation with alkali hydrate followed by drying and further impregnation with carbon bisulphide. For surface treatment, the planed &c. surface is soaked with a 15 per cent solution of alkali hydrate, left to dry and then treated with carbon bisulphide by dipping or by wrapping with absorbent material impregnated with carbon bisulphide. After evaporation of any residual carbon bisulphide the surface may be polished by sand papering. Complete impregnation is effected by placing the wood in a sealed container under vacuum, introducing alkali hydrate solution until the wood is completely immersed and allowing impregnation to continue under atmospheric pressure; after complete penetration, residual solution is removed and any water evaporated, if desired, under reduced pressure and heat, following which carbon bisulphide is introduced advantageously mixed with another liquid, e.g. ethyl alcohol, which does not dissolve cellulose xanthate; the wood is finally dried in vacuo. Carbon bisulphide may be applied in vapour form. The wood may be compressed during impregnation with carbon bisulphide and may be finally dried under pressure. Wooden articles, e.g. floor boards, weather boarding, window frames, wooden furniture, and gramophone needles may be treated.