Wood Protection
Wood Preservation
Onnovo’s preservatives encompass IPBC, Propiconazole, Tebuconazole, DCOIT, Permethrin, and Borates to protect wood from decay and insect attacks. Our priority remains understanding your wood protection goals to provide the RIGHT CHEMISTRY.
Understanding Wood Preservation & Its Microbial Challenges
Wood is one of the most versatile and widely used construction materials, valued for its natural strength, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability. However, due to its organic composition, wood is highly susceptible to biological degradation caused by fungi, mold, bacteria, and insects. Without proper protection, wood products can deteriorate rapidly, leading to structural weakness, discoloration, and reduced lifespan.
Key Microbial Challenges in Wood Preservation
- Fungal Decay & Rot – Wood exposed to moisture and humidity is prone to mold growth and fungal degradation, leading to softening and structural failure.
- Insect Infestation (Termites & Wood-Boring Beetles) – Certain insects feed on cellulose, compromising wood integrity and durability.
- Mildew & Surface Discoloration – Mold and algae stain wood surfaces, affecting aesthetic value and increasing maintenance costs.
- Microbially Induced Corrosion (MIC) in Composite Wood Products – Moisture retention in engineered wood (MDF, plywood, WPC) promotes bacterial & fungal growth within adhesive layers, causing delamination and breakdown.
- Regulatory & Environmental Challenges – Many regions restrict the use of traditional wood preservatives due to toxicity concerns, creating the need for eco-friendly alternatives.
Types of Wood Products & Their Preservation Needs
Different wood applications require tailored antimicrobial treatments to ensure durability, resistance, and compliance with environmental standards.
| Wood Type | Common Applications | Microbial Risks & Required Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Timber & Lumber | Construction, furniture, decking | Mold, fungal rot, termite infestation |
| Pressure-Treated Wood | Outdoor structures, fencing, utility poles | Weather exposure, decay, algae growth |
| Engineered Wood (MDF, Plywood, OSB) | Flooring, cabinetry, paneling | Adhesive breakdown, microbial-induced delamination |
| Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC) | Decking, cladding, outdoor furniture | UV degradation, mold & mildew growth |
| Fire-Retardant Wood | Building interiors, high-risk fire zones | Microbial attack affecting fire-retardant performance |
Risks of Inadequate Wood Preservation
Without effective antimicrobial and insect-resistant protection, wood products face significant risks, including:
- Structural Weakness & Decay – Wood loses strength as fungi consume cellulose and lignin, leading to softening, cracks, and breakage.
- Insect Damage – Termites and beetles burrow into wood, causing hollowing and rapid deterioration.
- Surface Aesthetic Degradation – Mold, mildew, and algae result in black spots, discoloration, and biofilm accumulation.
- Increased Maintenance & Replacement Costs – Unprotected wood requires frequent repair and replacement, increasing long-term expenses.
- Regulatory Non-Compliance – Many countries have banned hazardous wood preservatives, requiring safer, sustainable protection solutions.
Microbial Challenges in Different Wood Applications
Wood products are used in various environments, each facing unique microbial threats.
Outdoor Construction & Landscaping (e.g., Decking, Fencing, Pergolas)
Primary Risks:
- Continuous exposure to rain, humidity, and UV accelerates microbial and fungal growth.
- Mold & algae buildup affects surface durability and slip resistance.
Onnovo’s Solution:
- Broad-spectrum fungicides & algaecides for long-term microbial resistance.
- UV-stable biocide additives to enhance outdoor weathering performance.
Interior Wood Applications (e.g., Flooring, Furniture, Cabinetry)
Primary Risks:
- Mold formation in humid conditions leads to surface staining and odor issues.
- Bacterial contamination in engineered wood adhesives can cause delamination and structural failure.
Onnovo’s Solution:
- Low-VOC antimicrobial treatments for indoor air quality compliance.
- Preservative additives for wood adhesives to extend lifespan and bonding strength.
Industrial & Marine Wood Structures (e.g., Docks, Bridges, Utility Poles)
Primary Risks:
- Saltwater exposure accelerates microbial-induced corrosion (MIC) in marine environments.
- Decay fungi and termites attack structural wood elements.
Onnovo’s Solution:
- Biocide-infused protective coatings for marine & industrial wood applications.
- Termite-resistant preservatives to ensure long-lasting structural integrity.
Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC) & Engineered Wood (e.g., MDF, Plywood, OSB)
Primary Risks:
- Microbial degradation of adhesives & polymers affects bonding and material performance.
- UV and moisture exposure lead to mildew and decay.
Onnovo’s Solution:
- Moisture-resistant antimicrobial additives for engineered wood longevity.
- UV-blocking biocide systems for enhanced weather protection.
Want to know more about our products and services?
Onnovo’s Services & Support for Wood Protection
Onnovo provides cutting-edge antimicrobial solutions for wood manufacturers, construction firms, and industrial users, ensuring wood longevity, regulatory compliance, and eco-friendly preservation.
We help manufacturers comply with global regulations for wood preservatives, including:
- EPA (US) – Biocide regulations for treated wood
- BPR (EU) – Antimicrobial wood treatment approvals
- REACH (EU) – Safe chemical compliance for timber preservation
- ISO 21887 – Performance testing for wood durability
- ANVISA (Brazil) & Asian wood protection standards
Onnovo collaborates with wood product manufacturers to:
- Develop biocide blends for pressure-treated and natural wood preservation.
- Enhance insect resistance without affecting wood aesthetics.
Improve bonding performance for antimicrobial engineered wood adhesives.
Our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities provide:
- Mold, mildew, and termite resistance testing.
- Long-term weathering studies for outdoor wood applications.
- Durability validation for treated wood under real-world conditions.
Onnovo supports green building practices by developing:
- Low-VOC, non-toxic antimicrobial wood preservatives.
- Sustainable biocide alternatives for long-term wood protection.
Our R&D team assists in:
- Optimizing antimicrobial treatments for various wood applications.
- Developing next-generation eco-friendly wood preservatives.
- Formulation troubleshooting for enhanced durability & regulatory compliance.
What to know more about our products and services?
