Source: SUMMERDALE, INC. submitted to NRP
ORGANIC ACID FORMULATIONS FOR WOOD PROTECTION: INHIBITION OF MOLD AND DECAY FUNGI
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
SMALL BUSINESS GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0222745
Grant No.
2010-33610-21411
Cumulative Award Amt.
$338,549.00
Proposal No.
2010-02108
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2010
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2015
Grant Year
2010
Program Code
[8.1]- Forests & Related Resources
Recipient Organization
SUMMERDALE, INC.
7723 Kempfer Lane
VERONA,WI 53593
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Summerdale, Inc. and Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) will focus on above-ground applications of waterborne preservatives for indoor and outdoor residential lumber. Specifically, fatty acid-based formulations +/- adjuvants will be targeted for use on a) indoor lumber and wood composites and b) exterior residential (above ground) such as decking. However, further Phase II development of outdoor residential markets will depend on Phase II results from replicated leach trials. Fatty acid/adjuvant control of mold/decay fungi and termites must be sufficient; i.e., where preservative is retained and pesticide performance is acceptable after standard leach trials. Also, multi-year field trials, testing both stake and above-ground durability of treated specimens, are planned. The trials provide a very rigorous examination of preservative long-term efficacy. In-ground stake testing of several formulations has already been initiated. It is conceivable that formulations may not show long-term protection during prolonged, in-ground contact. Nevertheless, durability of treated-wood for exterior residential (above-ground) can be determined from the accelerated stake and above-ground test results. Over 82% of all waterborne preservatives were used on lumber and timber. An estimated 183.2 million pounds of waterborne preservatives were applied in 2004 and that the largest market for treated wood was residential. The largest growth was for copper-rich ACQ (and CA) and inorganic boron preservatives. ACQ, alone, had 46.7% of the waterborne preservatives market in 2004. Over the last several years, MCQ (micronized copper quats) has penetrated this market. Currently, copper-based preservatives are used to pressure treat lumber for numerous residential applications such as decking, outdoor furniture, fences, play structures, etc. Novel fatty acid-based preservatives, as exterior treatments, can be: a) potential "stand-alone" replacements for selected copper-based products (i.e., ACQ) used above-ground and b) as combination treatments with selected, existing products. An effective stand-alone product and/or a combination treatment should be of interest to a licensee. An acceptable, stand-alone formulation, relative to an existing wood preservative, should have improved or superior deterioration control and comparable or improved cost and other features (better human and environmental safety, less metal corrosivity, acceptable appearance of treated wood, etc.). Since dip and pressure treatments are used by wood preservers (typically at factories or lumber mills), both application methods for exterior applications will be examined. However, formulation development will be targeted toward both interior and exterior treatments and include control of mold and decay fungi and termites. Potential exterior treatments will also include a determination of formulation capabilities as an anti-sapstain.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
12306501102100%
Knowledge Area
123 - Management and Sustainability of Forest Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0650 - Wood and wood products;

Field Of Science
1102 - Mycology;
Goals / Objectives
Mold growth can significantly alter indoor air quality (IAQ), generating a variety of health effects in human occupants ranging from minor allergic reactions and exacerbation of asthma to pneumonitis. Individuals with pre-existing health issues or those that are immuno-suppressed are particularly susceptible to high loads of mold spores resulting from elevated interior moisture conditions although healthy individuals may also suffer from high levels of allergens, mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds resulting from a mold "bloom". Moreover, residential structures damaged by fungi and insects amounts to about $500,000,000/ year with labor costs estimated to be about $5 billion/ year. Poor IAQ and accompanying health repercussions have home builders and home owners alike concerned about mold issues, with additional steps to abate mold during construction and renovation already in progress. Currently, many mold protectants are commonly used in paint and coatings as short-term (<1 year) protection for gypsum board and wood products. However, there is a significant demand for effective, environmentally-acceptable moldicide treatments for low cost, long term protection of wood and wood-based products. Human health can be adversely affected by mold contaminants and also potentially from wood preservatives meant to prevent wood disease such as mold and decay fungi. Consumer safety groups, health officials and the EPA are now closely scrutinizing wood treatments used in residential construction. Products are required to exhibit minimal health and safety risk and in particular, proximity to drinking water sources and residential soils needs to meet current safety criteria. Global markets for wood preservatives have undergone a major transition over the last 8-10 years, spurred principally by societal demand for products with reduced human and environmental toxicities. However, very few unique, acceptable biocides have emerged while at the same time fungal resistance against existing biocides has increased. The discovery of synergistic combinations of selected natural adjuvants and specific fatty acids, as effective wood preservatives has established an excellent foundation for Phase II. Prolonged incubations (3 months) against both mold and decay fungi have shown that several formulations performed very well. Phase I data and observations for fatty acid-based chemistry matches very well with significant criteria, including cost and performances characteristics, required for a successful, "next generation preservative". A novel preservative acceptable to the public and meeting the needs of the wood preservatives industry should be a sound return on investment. Summerdale, Inc. and Forest Products Laboratory will focus on above-ground applications of waterborne preservatives for indoor and outdoor residential lumber. Specifically, fatty acid-based formulations +/- selected adjuvants will be targeted for use on a) indoor lumber and wood composites and b) exterior residential (above ground) such as decking. There is considerable interest from wood preservatives companies actively searching for effective pesticides having fewer environmental concerns.
Project Methods
Phase II technical and commercial objectives are highly important and must be met to better understand the full potential of fatty acid formulations as wood preservatives. Both performance and cost determinants, relative to those of existing products and methodology, needs to be assessed. Two strategies for formulation development will occur. Both approaches will be done in tandem. Objective 1 builds on highly promising adjuvant/fatty acid chemistry as candidate fungicides and insecticides. The measurement of pesticide activity and retained active ingredients in leached and un-leached, treated blocks is a significant task. The second strategy pertains to custom, multi-fatty acid formulations designed to control a broader range of fungal (mold) species. Once the specificities of individual fatty acids for various species of mold fungi have been identified, custom formulations, comparing the most potent fatty acid (s) per mold species, can be prepared. The Phase II objectives include: 1. Determine pesticide activities of caprylic acid (C-8)/adjuvant combinations as fungicides (mold, decay) and as termiticides, comparing leached and un-leached, treated blocks. 2. Evaluate individual fatty acid (C-5 to C-10 and C8/C10) specificity for each of 4 mold strains (A. niger 2.242, P.chrysogenum PH02, Trichoderma viride20476, and Alternaria alternata). 3. Select appropriate fatty acid species to develop custom, higher potency formulations for controlling a broader range of mold fungi. A. Evaluate ingredient compatibility and stability of formulation concentrate and it's dilution in water. B. Screen moldicide activities of stable, compatible formulations against a consortium of: A. niger 2.242, P. chrysogenum PH02, Trichoderma viride20476 and Alternaria alternata. 4. Evaluate selected adjuvants/amendments (5, total) added to the most promising custom formulations (2) and compare with commercial products (2) and combination products (2); i.e., commercial product + custom formulation. A. Evaluate compatibility of formulation ingredients and stabilities of formulations and formulation dilutions in water. Select best formulations (2) and compare with 2 commercial products and 2 combination products for pesticide trials B. Determine moldicide, anti-sapstain, decay fungi and termiticide efficacy comparing leached and un-leached blocks C. Record cold storage temperatures of best formulations; i.e., determine formulation crystallization points. D. Determine moldicide efficacy of treatments applied to wood composites 5. Quantitate and analyze fatty acid and adjuvant remaining in leached blocks. 6. Continue multi-year outdoor stake trial and initiate above-ground trials to evaluate efficacy of pressure treatments. 7. Determine corrosivity of 2 fatty acid-based formulations. 8. Obtain participation from collaborators and potential licensees to conduct independent trials on most promising formulations as wood preservatives. 9. Conduct cost analysis of waterborne formulation treatment (s) for both interior and exterior residential applications (above-ground) and compare to commercial products and methodologies.

Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? An annual report was submitted to the USDA CRIS database. The report describes intellectual property protection, marketing efforts, a summary of technical accomplishments and project goals for completion of Phase II objectives. ACCOMPLISHMENT HIGHLIGHTS: Obtained issuance (3) and filing (1) of the following patents with the USPTO: Coleman, R. D. Fungicide Compositions. U. S. Patent 7,741,244, June 22, 2010. Coleman, R. D. Pesticide Compositions and Methods for Their Use. U. S. Patent 7,820,594, October 6, 2010. Coleman, R. D. Multi-functional wood preservatives based on a borate/fatty acid combination. U. S. Patent 8900720, Dec 2, 2014. Coleman, R. D. Multi-functional wood preservatives based on a borate/fatty acid combination. U. S. Application No. 14/527,073. Filing date: October 29, 2014. Obtained publications/presentations: Coleman, R. D. Clausen, C.A. 2009. Multi-factorial antimicrobial wood protectants. International Research Group on Wood Protection, Stockholm, Sweden. IRG/WP 08-30484. Clausen, C.A., Coleman, R.D. Yang, V.W. 2010. Fatty acid formulations for wood protection. Forest Products Journal, 60, 301- 304. Coleman, R. D., V. W. Yang, B. Woodward, P. Lebow and C. Clausen. 2010. Efficacy of Fatty Acid Chemistry: Candidate Mold and Decay Fungicides. American Wood Protection Association, Savannah, GA, May 23 - 25, 2010. Coleman, R. D., Yang, V.W., Woodward, B., Lebow, P., Clausen, C.A. 2011. Efficacy of fatty acid chemistry: Candidate mold and decay fungicides. Proceedings of American Wood Protection Association, Birmingham, AL. 106, 287-297. Demonstrated synergy between boric acid (DOT) and selected fatty acids for control of mold and potentially decay fungi and termites. After water leaching, vacuum-treated SYP still contains sufficient active ingredients for mold inhibition. Established that both dip and pressure treatments are methodologies for possible use as above-ground, indoor and possibly, selected outdoor applications (patent application filed). It is possible that a fatty acid-based formulation (s) could be registered with the US EPA via the Bio-pesticide Route; therefore, greatly reducing registration costs for a licensee.

Publications


    Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: ORGANIC ACID FORMULATIONS FOR WOOD PROTECTION: INHIBITION OF MOLD AND DECAY FUNGI NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Summerdale, Inc. and Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) will focus on above-ground applications of waterborne preservatives for indoor and outdoor residential lumber. Specifically, fatty acid-based formulations +/- adjuvants will be targeted for use on a) indoor lumber and wood composites and b) exterior residential (above ground) such as decking. However, further Phase II development of outdoor residential markets will depend on Phase II results from replicated leach trials. Fatty acid/adjuvant control of mold/decay fungi and termites must be sufficient; i.e., where preservative is retained and pesticide performance is acceptable after standard leach trials. Also, multi-year field trials, testing both stake and above-ground durability of treated specimens, are planned. The trials provide a very rigorous examination of preservative long-term efficacy. In-ground stake testing of several formulations has already been initiated. It is conceivable that formulations may not show long-term protection during prolonged, in-ground contact. Nevertheless, durability of treated-wood for exterior residential (above-ground) can be determined from the accelerated stake and above-ground test results. Over 82% of all waterborne preservatives were used on lumber and timber. An estimated 183.2 million pounds of waterborne preservatives were applied in 2004 and that the largest market for treated wood was residential. The largest growth was for copper-rich ACQ (and CA) and inorganic boron preservatives. ACQ, alone, had 46.7% of the waterborne preservatives market in 2004. Over the last several years, MCQ (micronized copper quats) has penetrated this market. Currently, copper-based preservatives are used to pressure treat lumber for numerous residential applications such as decking, outdoor furniture, fences, play structures, etc. Novel fatty acid-based preservatives, as exterior treatments, can be: a) potential "stand-alone" replacements for selected copper-based products (i.e., ACQ) used above-ground and b) as combination treatments with selected, existing products. An effective stand-alone product and/or a combination treatment should be of interest to a licensee. An acceptable, stand-alone formulation, relative to an existing wood preservative, should have improved or superior deterioration control and comparable or improved cost and other features (better human and environmental safety, less metal corrosivity, acceptable appearance of treated wood, etc.). Since dip and pressure treatments are used by wood preservers (typically at factories or lumber mills), both application methods for exterior applications will be examined. However, formulation development will be targeted toward both interior and exterior treatments and include control of mold and decay fungi and termites. Potential exterior treatments will also include a determination of formulation capabilities as an anti-sapstain. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

    Impacts
    Phase II technical and commercial objectives are highly important and must be met to better understand the full potential of fatty acid formulations as wood preservatives. Both performance and cost determinants, relative to those of existing products and methodology, needs to be assessed. Two strategies for formulation development will occur. Both approaches will be done in tandem. Objective 1 builds on highly promising adjuvant/fatty acid chemistry as candidate fungicides and insecticides. The measurement of pesticide activity and retained active ingredients in leached and un-leached, treated blocks is a significant task. The second strategy pertains to custom, multi-fatty acid formulations designed to control a broader range of fungal (mold) species. Once the specificities of individual fatty acids for various species of mold fungi have been identified, custom formulations, comparing the most potent fatty acid (s) per mold species, can be prepared. The Phase II objectives include: 1. Determine pesticide activities of caprylic acid (C-8)/adjuvant combinations as fungicides (mold, decay) and as termiticides, comparing leached and un-leached, treated blocks. 2. Evaluate individual fatty acid (C-5 to C-10 and C8/C10) specificity for each of 4 mold strains (A. niger 2.242, P.chrysogenum PH02, Trichoderma viride20476, and Alternaria alternata). 3. Select appropriate fatty acid species to develop custom, higher potency formulations for controlling a broader range of mold fungi. A. Evaluate ingredient compatibility and stability of formulation concentrate and it's dilution in water. B. Screen moldicide activities of stable, compatible formulations against a consortium of: A. niger 2.242, P. chrysogenum PH02, Trichoderma viride20476 and Alternaria alternata. 4. Evaluate selected adjuvants/amendments (5, total) added to the most promising custom formulations (2) and compare with commercial products (2) and combination products (2); i.e., commercial product + custom formulation. A. Evaluate compatibility of formulation ingredients and stabilities of formulations and formulation dilutions in water. Select best formulations (2) and compare with 2 commercial products and 2 combination products for pesticide trials B. Determine moldicide, anti-sapstain, decay fungi and termiticide efficacy comparing leached and un-leached blocks C. Record cold storage temperatures of best formulations; i.e., determine formulation crystallization points. D. Determine moldicide efficacy of treatments applied to wood composites 5. Quantitate and analyze fatty acid and adjuvant remaining in leached blocks. 6. Continue multi-year outdoor stake trial and initiate above-ground trials to evaluate efficacy of pressure treatments. 7. Determine corrosivity of 2 fatty acid-based formulations. 8. Obtain participation from collaborators and potential licensees to conduct independent trials on most promising formulations as wood preservatives. 9. Conduct cost analysis of waterborne formulation treatment (s) for both interior and exterior residential applications (above-ground) and compare to commercial products and methodologies.

    Publications

    • Coleman, R. D. Pesticide Compositions and Methods for Their Use. U. S. Patent 7,820,594, October 6, 2010. Coleman, R. D. and C. A. Clausen. 2009. Multi-factorial Antimicrobial Wood Protectants. International Research Group on Wood Protection, Stockholm, Sweden. IRG/WP/08-30484. 10p.
    • Clausen, C. A. and R. D. Coleman and V. W. Yang. 2010. Fatty acid Formulations for Wood Protection. Forest Products Journal. 60:301 to 304.
    • Coleman, R. D. Fungicide Compositions. U. S. Patent 7,741,244, June 22, 2010.
    • Clausen, C. A., V. Yang and R. Coleman. 2010. Fatty Acid Formulations for Wood Protection. 64th International Convention. Forest Products Society. Madison, WI. June 20 to 22, 2010.
    • Coleman, R., V. Yang, B. Woodward, P. Lebow and C. Clausen. 2010. Efficacy of Fatty Acid Chemistry: Candidate Mold and Decay Fungicides. American Wood Protection Association, Savannah, GA, May 23 to 25, 2010.