Resistance of furfurylated wood to termite attack

Abstract

This paper provides results of a laboratory and field test study that evaluated the termite resistance of furfurylated wood. Sapwood test specimens of three wood species were furfurylated to two or three levels of modification: 15 to 17 percent, 40 to 45 percent, and 99 to 160 percent total weight increase (TWI). The wood species investigated were Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), agathis (Agathis dammara), and sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria). The laboratory test was conducted on the resistance of furfurylated wood to the dry wood termite (Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light). Termite mortality, weight loss, and protection level of each specimen were determined. One-year field testing of two test sites in Java was conducted and the protection level and weight loss of each test specimen caused by Macrotermes gilvus Hagen attack was determined. Results showed that low-furfurylated (15% to 17% TWI) wood was poorly protected against termite attack. In contrast, medium- and high-furfurylated (40% to 45% and 99% to 160% TWI, respectively) specimens were highly resistant to attack by both dry wood and subterranean termites.