Treatability of wood for pressure treatment processes: a literature review

Abstract

Inadequate and non-uniform penetration of preservatives into refractory wood species is a main concern in the wood preservation industry for pressure processes. Although the treatability of wood is greatly related to its porous structure, it may be influenced by other parameters like wood moisture content, drying technique, preservative formulation and treatment process. General principles of the wood treatability measurement by macro- and microscale approaches as well as by analytical techniques are discussed. Several innovative strategies have been developed to enhance the treatability of wood. Some strategies are currently being used in the industry, some have a potential for industrial upscaling, while others still remain at the laboratory scale. This review also involves a comprehensive review of recent progress to date in improving this physical property of wood.