Method of preserving wood

Abstract

An aqueous wood preservation composition containing inorganic polymers of one or more of the following metals is disclosed; aluminum (approximately 3.8%-7.0% as Al 2 0 3 ), zirconium (approximately 5.25%-9.1% as ZrO 2 ), copper (approximately 0.7%-8.8% as CuO) and a fixing agent such as acetic acid or sodium acetate. The pH is adjusted to be between 2.0-4.0 using an inorganic base such as copper carbonate. The invention includes wood and cellulose fibers treated by the composition of the present invention as well as methods of preserving wood and cellulose fibers using the compositions.

1 - 14 . (canceled)  
   
   
       15 . A method of preserving wood comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing an aqueous suspension of a wood preservative composition comprising an aqueous solution of inorganic polymers containing aluminum, zirconium, copper, and a fixing agent, the solution having a pH in the range of about 2.0-4.0;    (b) providing wood having at least some areas of open porosity therein; and    (c) applying the suspension to the wood.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein applying the suspension to the wood is accomplished by injecting the suspension into the wood.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein applying the suspension to the wood is accomplished by immersing the wood in the suspension.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein applying the suspension to the wood is accomplished by brushing the suspension onto the wood.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein applying the suspension to the wood is accomplished by spraying the suspension onto the wood.  
   
   
       20 . Wood impregnated by the method of  claim 15 .  
   
   
       21 . (canceled)  
   
   
       22 . A fibrous cellulose product resistant to degradation which comprises cellulose fibers treated by the method of  claim 15 .  
   
   
       23 . A method of producing a cellulose fiber resistant to degradation which comprises providing an aqueous suspension of a wood preservative composition comprising an aqueous solution of inorganic polymers containing aluminum, zirconium, copper, and a fixing agent, the solution having a pH in the range of about 2.0-4.0, and applying the suspension to the wood.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23  wherein applying is accomplished by spraying, injecting, brushing, or immersing the suspension into the wood.