Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The results of this ongoing examination of termites on the long-term performance of structural composites, wood products, and market perceptions for treated wood products have been disseminated through fifteen invited presentations at professional conferences, and fourteen journal papers, proceedings, and abstracts. The results will be used by other researchers in the field to better understand wood durability. PARTICIPANTS: Q. Wu, Shupe, T.F., and J.P. Curole, School of Renewable natural resources, LSU AgCenter M.D. Voitier, and D. Ring. Department of Entomology, LSU AgCenter TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for this project include wood protection and building industries and professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This project was initiated to develop a comprehensive research program in the field of wood durability. The project supports the LSU AgCenter's Wood Durability Laboratory (WDL), which is housed in the School of Renewable Natural Resources. The Laboratory has been accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) to carry out over 20 American Wood Preserver's Association (AWPA) / American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard tests for different wood products. The WDL became an ISO 17025 through the International Accreditation Services (IAS) accreditation system on March 1, 2008. Additional test standards were added by IAS to the WDL approved scope of services on July 24, 2008. Because there is significant variation in termite resistance to natural wood and wood-plastic composites we imported nine wood species from Brazil to examine their resistance levels. Study results showed that Mata Mata, Guajara, Timborana, Cupiuba, Piquia, Acariquara, and Abiurana Iron have excellent natural resistance to Formosan termites. These materials are good candidates for utility poles and cross-arms in the southern US. In wood-plastic composites termite resistance is related to wood particle size. Composites with large wood particles provided pathways for deep termite penetration. Bagasse-based composites made with smaller woody particles showed significant termite resistance because the particles were better encapsulated by the plastics. Thus, properly milled bagasse fibers can be successfully used to manufacture reinforced plastics composite with required biological performance. In a study of creep behavior of zinc borate-treated strandboard, we examined southern pine and red oak stranboard treated with three borate levels, two stress levels (15% and 40%), at constant environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.). Results showed that the borate treatment had significant effect on long-term creep performance of treated panels, and that the effect varied with wood species. There was no significant effect of creep loading on the residual bending properties of treated strandboard under the stress levels tested. The four-element, spring-dashpot creep model fit the creep data well. The predicted creep deflection for a 10-year loading duration under both 15% and 40% stress levels met the National Design Specification for Wood Construction even with measurable borate-treatment effects on creep. Results of a market study on the perceptions of treated wood showed that most respondents have a favorable view of treated wood for numerous applications. Although there are safety concerns for certain preservatives, respondents indicate that wood treatment is not only acceptable but is desirable as a material in their homes. As new, safer, and more ecologically friendly preservatives come to market, the future will be positive for the treated wood industry in the US.
Publications
- Wu, Q., J.N. Lee, Z. Cai, and D. Zhou. 2009. Creep behavior of borate-treated strandboard: effect of zinc borate retention, wood species, and load level. Maderas Cienciay Tecnologia Journal. 11(1):19-32.
- Vlosky, P. R., T. Shupe, and Q. Wu. 2009. Perceptions and use of termite resistant treated wood products. Part I: the perspective of homeowners in Formosan subterranean termite infected states. Drvna Industrija 60(3):135-144.
- Vlosky, P. R., T. Shupe, and Q. Wu. 2009. Perceptions and use of termite resistant treated wood products. Part II: the perspective of homeowners and Architects in Formosan subterranean termite infected states. Drvna Industrija 60(4):219-228.
- Wu, Q, T. Shupe, J. Curole, K. Ragon, M. Voitier, M. Freeman, and D. Ring. 2009. Termite resistant properties of wood and natural fiber plastic composites AWPA E1 Test Data. In Proc. IRG 40th Annual Meeting, Beijing, China. 24-28 May 2009. IRG/WP 09-40466.
- Wu, Q, T. Shupe, J. Curole, K. Ragon, M. Voitier, M. Freeman, and D. Ring. 2009. Performance of fasteners in treated wood: a comparative study. In Proc. IRG 40th Annual Meeting, Beijing, China. 24-28 May 2009. IRG/WP 09-465.
- Voitier, M.D., J.P. Curole, T.F. Shupe, Q. Wu, D. Ring, and M.H. Freeman. 2008. The process of becoming an ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory The LSU perspective. In: Forest Products Society 62nd International Convention. St. Louis, MO. June 22-24, 2008 (invited, oral and poster presentation). p. 22.
- Curole, J.P., T.F. Shupe, Q. Wu, M.D. Voitier, D. Ring, and D. Carradine. 2008. Brazilian hardwood species natural resistance to Formosan subterranean termites in the AWPA E1-06 standard single choice test method. In: Forest Products Society 62nd International Convention. St. Louis, MO. June 22-24, 2008 (invited, oral and poster presentation). p. 38-39.
- Shupe, T.F., Q. Wu, J.P. Curole, M.D. Voitier, and D. Ring. 2008. Testing services of the Wood Durability Lab at the LSU AgCenter. In: Forest Products Society 62nd International Convention. St. Louis, MO. June 22-24, 2008 (invited, oral and poster presentation). p. 39.
- Curole, J.P., T.F. Shupe, Q. Wu, D. Ring, and D. Ring. 2007. Analysis of the variability of control samples used in the AWPA E-1 Formosan subterranean termite laboratory jar test. In: (H.M. Barnes, ed.) Proceedings Southeastern Utility Pole Conference. Southern Forest Products Society. Madison, WI. ISBN 1-892529-43-2. p. 229.
- Voitier, M., D. Ring, G. Wilson, J. Curole, C. McCown, T. Shupe, and Q. Wu. 2007. Conducive conditions for termite attack in wood framed houses: A Louisiana educational program. In: American Wood Preservers Association Annual Meeting. May 6-8, 2007. St. Louis, MO. P. 89.
- Curole, J., T. Shupe, Q. Wu, D. Ring, and M. Voitier. 2007. The Effects of Collection Material and Geographic Location On The Variability of Control Samples Used in the AWPA E-1-06 Jar Test. In: American Wood Preservers Association Annual Meeting. May 6-8, 2007. St. Louis, MO. P. 88.
- Curole, J., T. Shupe, Q. Wu, D. Ring, and M. Voitier. 2007. Formosan subterranean termite testing techniques provided by the LSU wood durability laboratory. In Durability of wood framed housing Lessons learned from natural disasters. Biloxi, MS. Nov. 13-15, 2007. p. 11.
- Ring, D., M. Voitier, T. F. Shupe, and Q. Wu. 2007. Formosan subterranean termite feeding on Spruce-Pine-Fir 2x4s: Relationship between percent weight loss and strength loss. In: Durability of wood framed housing Lessons learned from natural disasters. Biloxi, MS. Nov. 13-15, 2007. p. 11.
- Shupe, T., D. Ring, A. Morgan, G. Henderson, and Q. Wu. 2006. Use preservative-treated wood and integrated pest management when rebuilding. Southern Regional Extension Forestry Publication. 5 pp.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: From the support of this project, we were able to engage manufacturers and users of durable wood products in the state and in the country. Specially, the Wood Durability Laboratory in the School of Renewable Natural Resources has been accredited by International Accreditation Service (IAS) to perform 17 AWPA/ASTM standard tests for different wood products. Three major test plots at the LSU Coastal Area Research Station for research and outreach activities have been established with termite colonies. Three invited presentations were made in 2008 at professional conferences. A research report on resistance of various wood species to Formosan subterranean termites was made and a journal publication is being prepared. PARTICIPANTS: Shupe, T.F., Q. Wu, J.P. Curole, M.D. Voitier, and D. Ring. TARGET AUDIENCES: wood protection and building industries PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The Wood Durability Lab (WDL) at the LSU AgCenter became an ISO 17025 through the International Accreditation Services (IAS) accreditation system on March 1, 2008. Additional test standards were added by IAS to the WDL approved scope of services on July 24, 2008. We used the WDL to examine the variation in the termite resistance of natural wood and wood plastic composite exists. Nine imported wood species from Brazil, including Mata Mata, Guajara, Timborana, Cupiuba, Piquia, Acariquara, and Abiurana Iron showed good to excellent natural resistance to Formosan termites based on AWPA E1 test. These materials are excellent candidates for making utility poles and cross-arms for application in the southern US. In wood/natural plastics composites, particle size played an important role for termite resistance. Large wood particles in the composites provided pathways for termites to penetrate deep into the composite. Composites made with smaller bagasse particles, which were better encapsulated by the plastics, showed significantly better termite resistance. Thus, properly milled bagasse fibers can be successfully used to manufacture reinforced plastic composites with required biological performance.
Publications
- Voitier, M.D., J.P. Curole, T.F. Shupe, Q. Wu, D. Ring, and M.H. Freeman. 2008. The process of becoming an ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory: The LSU perspective. In: Forest Products Society 62 International Convention. St. Louis, MO. June 22-24, 2008 (invited, oral and poster presentation). p. 22.
- Curole, J.P., T.F. Shupe, Q. Wu, M.D. Voitier, D. Ring, and D. Carradine. 2008. Brazilian hardwood species natural resistance to Formosan subterranean termites in the AWPA E1-06 standard single choice test method. In: Forest Products Society 62 International Convention. St. Louis, MO. June 22-24, 2008 (invited, oral and poster presentation). p. 38-39.
- Shupe, T.F., Q. Wu, J.P. Curole, M.D. Voitier, and D. Ring. 2008. Testing services of the Wood Durability Lab at the LSU AgCenter. In: Forest Products Society 62 International Convention. St. Louis, MO. June 22-24, 2008 (invited, oral and poster presentation). p. 39.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Three major test plots at the LSU Coastal Area Research Station for wood durability research and outreach activities are established with tree seedlings, wood chips, and termite colonies. The site will play an essential role for field evaluation of the treated wood products. The Wood Durability Laboratory in School of Renewable Natural Resources was accredited by International Accreditation Service (IAS) to perform 17 AWPA/ASTM standard tests for wood durability analysis. The group consulted over 20 companies and individuals in wood products, industrial chemicals, and other related fields in relation with enhancing wood durability. The results from the group were disseminated in three conferences including AWPA Annual Meeting, Durability of Wood-Framed Housing- Lessons Learned From Natural Disasters, and Southeastern Utility Pole Conference.
PARTICIPANTS: W. Ramsay Smith, PhD Global Research Manager Arch Wood Protection, Inc. 3941 Bonsal Road Conley, GA 30288 TEL: (404) 362-3970 FAX: (404) 363-8585 Dennis Ring, Ph.D. Entomologist, Professor, Extension Specialist Department of Entomology LSU AgCenter Baton Rouge, LA 70803 225-578-2180, Fax 225-578-2257 Jay Curole Research Associate School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University AgCenter Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Phone: (225) 578-6432 Facsimile: (225) 578-4251 Matt Voitier Research Associate Department of Entomology LSU AgCenter Baton Rouge, LA 70803 225-578-2180, Fax 225-578-2257 Yong Lei, Ph.D. Research Associate School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University AgCenter Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Phone: (225) 578-6389 Facsimile: (225) 578-4251
TARGET AUDIENCES: Wood Preservation Industry Wood Products Industry Building Industry General Public Research Institutions
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No major changes were made in the past year.
Impacts
In nearly all of the 1.5 million homes constructed in the U.S. each year wood and wood-based composites are used. Unless protected, wood is naturally degraded by heat, moisture, insects, decay, mold and other forces such as hurricanes and floods. The result of this project can lead to the development of more durable building products. Several testing projects were conducted to study termite and decay resistance of the treated wood products. The techniques used include E1-06 jar termite test, termite tower test, termite sill plate test, and laboratory decay and mold tests. Both solid wood and structural wood composites treated with industrial chemicals were used in the study. The data show that techniques used generate reliable test results on biological resistance of treated wood products and the efficacy of various wood treatment protocols. Recently, the Wood Durability Laboratory has been accredited by International Accreditation Service (IAS) to perform 17 AWPA/ASTM
standard tests. Three major test plots at the LSU Coastal Area Research Station for research and outreach activities are being established with termite colonies. The site will play an essential role for field evaluation of the treated wood products. Spruce-pine-fir (SPF) 2 x 4s were fed on by Formosan subterranean termites (FSTs) to examine resulting weight loss and strength loss. The dimensions of the samples were 1.46 x 3.44 x 3.00 in. Samples were oven dried and weighed before exposure to FSTs. FSTs were allowed to feed on wood samples for varying lengths of time. Percent weight loss of samples was determined by re-drying and re-weighing samples after exposure. Strength loss was determined by performing compression tests in accordance with ASTM D 143-93 using an Instron universal testing machine. Data for peak load was regressed on percent weight loss data to establish a relationship between sample compression strength (CS) and percent weight loss (PWL). The resulting regression
was significant and provided a good fit to the data (R2=0.97). Based on this preliminary study, strength loss of SPF 2 x 4s caused by feeding of FSTs may be predicted using percent weight loss (up to 66 %) from this equation. Durable composites based on high density polyethylene (HDPE), pine flour, and organic clay were made by melt compounding and injection molding. The influence of clay on crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, water absorption, and thermal stability of HDPE/pine composites were investigated. The flexural strength and the tensile strength of HDPE/pine composites increased 19.6% and 24.2% respectively with addition of 1% clay but then decreased slightly as the clay content was increased to 3%. The tensile modulus and tensile elongation were increased 11.8% and 13% respectively with addition of 1% clay but the storage and loss moduli barely change as the clay content was increased to 3%. The impact strength was lowered 7.5% by adding 1% clay, but did not
decrease further as more clay was added. The moisture content and thickness swelling of the HDPE/pine composites was reduced by the clay, but did not improve the thermal stability.
Publications
- Lei, Y., Q. Wu, C. Clemons, F. Yao, and Y. Xu. 2007. Influence of Nanoclay on Properties of HDPE and Wood Composites. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 106:3958-3966.
- Wu, Q., W. R. Smith, J.D. Lloyd, P. Merick, J. Curole, M. Voitier, T. F. Shupe, and D. Ring. 2007. Tower Tests for Evaluating Resistance of Common Building Materials to Formosan Subterranean Termites. Proc. AWPA Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. May 6-8, 2007.
- Curole, J.P., T.F. Shupe, Q. Wu, D. Ring, and D. Ring. 2007. Analysis of the variability of control samples used in the AWPA E-1 Formosan subterranean termite laboratory jar test. In: (H.M. Barnes, ed.) Proceedings Southeastern Utility Pole Conference. Southern Forest Products Society. Madison, WI. ISBN 1-892529-43-2. p. 229.
- Voitier, M., D. Ring, G. Wilson, J. Curole, C. McCown, T. Shupe, and Q. Wu. 2007. Conducive conditions for termite attack in wood framed houses: A Louisiana educational program. In: American Wood Preservers Association Annual Meeting. May 6-8, 2007. St. Louis, MO.
- Curole, J., T. Shupe, Q. Wu, D. Ring, and M. Voitier. 2007. The Effects of Collection Material and Geographic Location On The Variability of Control Samples Used in the AWPA E-1-06 Jar Test. In: American Wood Preservers Association Annual Meeting. May 6-8, 2007. St. Louis, MO.
- Curole, J., T. Shupe, Q, Wu, D. Ring, and M. Voitier. 2007. Formosan subterranean termite testing techniques provided by the LSU wood durability laboratory. In: Durability of wood-framed housing. Lessons learned from natural disasters. Biloxi, MS. Nov. 13-15, 2007. p. 11.
- Ring, D., M. Voitier, T.F. Shupe, and Q. Wu. 2007. Formosan subterranean termite feeding on Spruce-Pine-Fir 2x4s: Relationship between percent weight loss and strength loss. In: Durability of wood-framed housing. Lessons learned from natural disasters. Biloxi, MS. Nov. 13-15, 2007. p.11.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Extensive laboratory testing has been done to study termite and decay resistance of the treated products in collaboration with wood products and chemical industries. The techniques used include new E1-97 jar termite test, termite tower test, termite sill plate test, and laboratory decay and mold tests. Both solid wood and structural wood composites treated with industrial chemicals (e.g., zinc and sodium borates) have been used in the study. Results have been published in form of project reports. The data show that the techniques can be used to generate reliable test results on biological resistance of treated wood products and the efficacy of various wood treatment protocols. Among the chemicals tested, Glycol borates have been demonstrated to prevent termite tubing and attack of wood materials and are extensively used as termite preventative applications in new construction in the USA. The study evaluated the ability of such systems to prevent Formosan subterranean
termite tubing over non-wood materials. Concrete was selected as a common inert construction material and tests were carried out following topical treatment of the concrete with a commercially available glycol borate. It was found that a glycol borate treatment on concrete restricted the ability of termites to construct tubes. Exploratory tubes were less than 20cm and the treatment caused near complete termite mortality. The results suggest that glycol borates offer a novel approach to protect cellulosic materials within structures not built from wood. Effort has also been made to rebuild the field termite testing site at the LSU Coastal Area Research Station, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Three major test plots for research and outreach activities are being established with termite colonies. The site will play an essential role for field evaluation of the treated wood products.
Impacts
Results of the testing study will help develop new treatment processes for wood-based products, and increase the understanding of their field performance regarding termite and fungi resistance. This will help wood product manufacturers produce durable, termite-resistant building materials to meet increased market demands.
Publications
- Shupe, T., Q. Wu, W. Ramsay Smith, Jay Curole. 2006 . Investigation of Bora-Care Resistance to Formosan Subterranean Termite Tubing over PVC Towers. Final Report to Nisus Corporation. 7 p.
- Shupe, T., Q. Wu, Jay Curole. 2006. Evaluation of FLO-FRE Micro Granules Product to Prevent and Eliminate Mold Growth on Southern Yellow Pine Wood Veneer. Final Report to Oil Dri Corp. of America. 6 p.
- Shupe, T., Q. Wu, Jay Curole. 2006. Dimensional Stability of WoodSmart Solutions Treated Wood and Untreated Southern Yellow Pine. Final Report to WoodSmart Solutions. 7 p.
- Wu, Q., Todd F. Shupe,Jay Curole. 2006. Bending Strength and Stiffness of Treated And Control Samples From WoodSmart Solutions Inc.. Final Report to WoodSmart Solutions. 6 p.
- Shupe, T., Wu, Q., Jay Curole. 2006. Formosan Subterranean Termite Resistance to Fourteen Rohm and Haas Treatments Plus Southern Pine Control. Final Report to Rohm and Haas. 18 p.
- Shupe, T., Q. Wu, W. Ramsay Smith, Jay Curole. 2006 . Investigation of Bora-Care Resistance to Formosan Subterranean Termite Tubing over Copper Towers. Final Report to Nisus Corporation. 7 p.
- Wu, Q., Shupe, T., J. Curole, 2006. Formosan Subterranean Termite resistance to two Arch Chemical treatments plus southern pine controls. Report to Arch Chemical. 9 p.
- Wu, Q., Shupe, T., J. Curole, 2006. Decay Resistance of WoodSmart Solutions Wood Samples. Report to Wood Smart Solutions. 9 p.
- Shupe, T., Q. Wu, W. Ramsay Smith, Jay Curole. 2006 . Investigation of Bora-Care Resistance to Formosan Subterranean Termite Tubing over Wire. Final Report to Nisus Corporation. 7 p.
- Shupe, T., Q. Wu, W. Ramsay Smith, Jay Curole. 2006 . Investigation of Bora-Care Resistance to Formosan Subterranean Termite Tubing over Brick Towers. Final Report to Nisus Corporation. 7 p.
- Shupe, T., D. Ring, A. Morgan, G. Henderson, and Q. Wu. 2006. Use of preservative-treated wood, when rebuilding after a hurricane. LSU Ag Center Publication. Pub. 2938. February 2006.
- Shupe, T., Q. Wu, J. Curole, 2006. Formosan Subterranean Termite resistance to Eighteen Trus-Joist treatments plus southern pine controls. Report to Trus-Joist. 9 p.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
New laboratory testing techniques have been developed to study termite and decay resistance of the treated products as part of the wood durability research program. The techniques include a new E1-97 jar termite test, termite tower test, termite sill plate test, field termite testing at the LSU Citrus Station, and laboratory decay and mold tests. The techniques have been used extensively to test solid wood and structural wood composites treated with industrial chemicals (e.g., zinc and sodium borates) for the wood products industry. These techniques can be used to generate reliable test results on biological resistance of treated wood products and the efficacy of various wood treatment protocols.
Impacts
Results of this work will improve the understanding of treatment processes for wood-based products, and their field performance regarding termite resistance. This will help wood product manufacturers produce durable, termite-resistant building materials to meet increased market demands.
Publications
- Wu, Q, Shupe, T.F., D. Ring, J. Curole, and M. Voitier. 2005. Wood durability testing provided by the Louisiana Forest Products Development Center. In: 2005 AWPA Technical Committee Meetings. September 11-15, 2005. Asheville, NC.
- Shupe, T., Q. Wu, J. Curole, and M. Voitier. 2005. Investigation of WoodSmart solutions sill plate samples resistance to Formosan subterranean termite attack and tubing. Final Sponsor Report. WoodSmart Solutions. 8 p.
- Shupe, T., Q. Wu, J. Curole, and M. Voitier. 2005. Formosan subterranean termite resistance to ten WoodSmart Solutions samples plus southern yellow pine control. Final Sponsor Report to WoodSmart Solutions, Inc. 5 p.
- Wu, Q., Shupe, T., J. Curole, and M. Voitier. 2005. Formosan subterranean termite resistance to thirteen Ignite treatments plus southern yellow pine control. Final Sport Report to Ignite Business Development. School of RNR, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA. 10 p.
- Wu, Q., T.F. Shupe, and J. Curole. 2005. Strength tests for treated and untreated southern pine samples. Final Sport Report to WoodSmart Solutions, Inc. 6 p.
- Wu, Q., T.F. Shupe, and J. Curole. 2005. Mold Resistance of WoodSmart Solution Mold Treatments on Southern Yellow Pine Solid Wood. Final Sport Report to WoodSmart Solutions, Inc. 9 p.
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