Efficacy of a borax-copper preservative in exposed applications [WorldCat Entities]

"This study evaluated the ability of pressure treatments with a borax-copper (BC) preservative to protect wood exposed above ground or in contact with the ground. Stake testing indicated that the 2.3% and 4.7% BC concentrations were fairly effective in preventing decay in Wisconsin but were not effective in protecting stakes exposed in Mississippi. The 1.4% and 2.3% BC concentrations effectively protected decking specimens exposed for 5 years at the Wisconsin test site. Assay of stakes at the Wisconsin site indicated that over 90% of boron in the below-ground portion of the stakes was lost within the first year, leaving copper as the sole biocide. Assay of the decking specimens after 4 years of exposure indicated that between 30% and 45% of copper and 80% and 95% of boron was lost from the BC-treated decking specimens. These copper losses were greater than those found with the laboratory simulated rainfall study, which indicated that 5% to 6% of copper was lost from the 1.4% and 2.3% BC treatments after the equivalent of 1 year of rainfall. Boron losses of 45% to 55% were noted with 1 year's equivalent of simulated rainfall. This series of studies indicates that the efficacy of BC as a pressure-treatment preservative in exposed applications is a function of copper retention."

Efficacy of a borax-copper preservative in exposed applications