Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Wood is a good food supply for moulds and rots since it provides all the nutrients needed to their growth. Damages caused by them to wood products go from discouloration to the loss of structural strength. It is even more true for OSB, since nondurable wood species are generally used for this production hence a low biological resistance. Among all fungicide treatments, zinc borate is a good candidate due to its efficiency as a fungicide and its lower environmental impact compared to other compounds like chromated copper arsenate or pentachlorophenol. However, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on agent distribution within the composition hence the importance of the application method. These agents can also be leached if exposed to water. Therefore, a manufacturer of wood-based panels wants to develop a mould and rots resistant OSB product. Because of the Innofibre team expertize in wood fibre chemical modification and antimicrobial testing on a variety of products, the manufacturer requested Innofibre to support it in the selection of the best fungicidal agent as well as the most effective treatment methods.