Wood has been a popular, renewable and versatile resource used in the construction industry for many years. However, its susceptibility to decay and degradation can affect the structural integrity of the wood and the building. Fortunately, modern innovations in the wood preservation industry help prolong the service life of this valuable material.
Design and Fabrication Innovations
Engineered and thermally modified wood offers durability, increased stability, sustainability and design flexibility. These innovations come in various forms:
Cross-Laminated Timber
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is engineered wood made from layers of kiln-dried dimension lumber placed at right angles to one another and then glued to form structural panels. It’s used to create walls, roofs, ceilings and floors.
Glued-Laminated Timber:
Also known as glulam, glue-laminated timber is made of wood laminations with moisture-resistant adhesives. It comprises various species, such as spruce-pine-fir, Douglas-fir and western hemlock. This material is a major component of load-bearing structures like pavilions, bridges and canopies.
Wood-Plastic Composites
Wood-plastic composites (WPC) combine wood and recycled thermoplastics, such as high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. Although WPC is a relatively new invention, many industries already use it. The North American WPC market has achieved almost $1 billion in sales.
Thermally Modified Wood
This type is produced in a high-temperature, low-oxygen environment to alter the wood’s physical and chemical properties. It burns the wood’s sugar content, reducing the food source of decay fungi.
Acetylated Wood
This modified wood undergoes acetylation, which changes free hydroxyls into acetyl groups. Rather than treating wood with toxic chemicals, it uses a sustainable method to create a dimensionally stable and durable material.
Mineral Enhancement Methods
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and collaborators from the University of Miami and Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to enhance hardwood’s mechanical performance. They mixed wood with nanocrystalline iron oxyhydroxide to fortify the tiny cell walls, resulting in a more durable product.
FAU biomedical engineer Vivian Merk said they performed several mechanical tests at the macroscopic scale and nanoscale to measure overall strength under stress. This sustainable innovation lays the foundation for a new era of bio-based materials, which may replace traditional components like steel and concrete in structural projects.
Advanced Protective Coatings
Modern coatings create a durable, multi-functional barrier to protect the wood from UV radiation, temperature extremes and moisture. Some options add specialized properties, such as antimicrobial, hydrophobic and anti-fouling.
Nano Coatings
These substances protect against UV rays, which can affect wood structure and appearance. Nano coatings also deter pests like subterranean termites — the most destructive in the U.S. — and fungi. This protects wood-based materials from infestations and decay.
Intumescent Coatings
Applying intumescent coating makes wood materials fire-retardant, making it ideal for timber beams or doors. When exposed to fire, this protective layer undergoes a chemical reaction, providing a shield from flames and preventing fire spread.
Chemical Treatments
While not the most eco-friendly option, advanced chemical processes protect wood against moisture, pests and fungal decay. Copper-based wood protection uses alkaline copper quaternary and copper azole to deter insects and fungi, making it ideal for outdoor applications like decking.
Boron salts are a popular modern approach. They penetrate deeply into the wood to provide long-term protection against natural vulnerabilities. The salts also act as a flame retardant, as they vitrify at high temperatures.
Early Deterioration Detection Method
A study from Kyoto University reveals that wood deterioration starts before it is visible to the naked eye. The researchers used mid-infrared spectroscopy with a machine learning component called “partial least squares” to detect small chemical changes, allowing early detection and prevention.
This method is also valuable in detecting early failure in other materials, such as concrete and metal. Implementing this procedure globally will improve the construction industry’s sustainability.
Building for the Future
Future-proofing wood-based materials ensures adaptability to changing climate conditions. Professionals may choose from engineered wood products, modern protective coatings and innovative methods to make buildings more resilient today and in the future.
