Improving the Performance of Waterborne Preservatives in Infrastructure Applications

Abstract

Abstract This article explores the benefits covering waterborne preservative systems that include an oil emulsion treatment. Waterborne preservatives have a long history of protecting wood products in severe exposures. Enhancing the surface of these products can increase their service life. Oil emulsion treatments were originally developed to improve the climbability of waterborne poles by utility linemen. Over time, these products have shown that they can improve other surface characteristics, such as checking, flammability, and, with added pigments, ultraviolet exposure.