Compositions and methods for treating cellulose-based materials with micronized additives

Abstract

A composition for treating cellulosic materials is provided. The composition comprises a dispersion of micronized additives. The dispersion comprises additive particles with diameters in the range of 0.001 to 25 microns. Also provided is a method for the application of the additive-containing composition to wood, as well as wood products which have been treated with the composition.

1 . A wood preservative composition comprising one or more particulate additives, wherein greater than 80 weight percent of the additive particles have diameters in the range of 0.001 microns to 25 microns. 
     
     
         2 . A wood preservative composition as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the additives is selected from the group consisting of inorganic pigments, organic pigments, water repellants, anti-weathering agents, dimensional stabilization agents, and fire retardants and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         3 . A wood preservative composition as in  claim 1 , wherein fewer than 20 weight percent of the additive particles have a diameter of greater than 25 microns. 
     
     
         4 . A wood preservative composition as in  claim 1 , wherein fewer than 20 weight percent of the additive particles have a diameter of less than 0.001 microns. 
     
     
         5 . A wood preservative composition as in  claim 1 , wherein greater than 50 weight percent of the additive particles have diameters in the range of 0.01 microns to 10 microns. 
     
     
         6 . A wood preservative composition as in  claim 3 , wherein greater than 80 weight percent of the additive particles have diameters which are less than 1 micron. 
     
     
         7 . A wood preservative composition as in  claim 1 , wherein greater than 85, 90, 95 or 99 weight percent of the additive particles have diameters in the range of 0.001 microns to 25 microns. 
     
     
         8 . A wood preservative composition of  claim 1 , wherein the particulate additive is selected from the group consisting of iron oxides, titanium dioxide paraffin wax, acrylic polymer, and zinc borate. 
     
     
         9 . A process for preserving wood, said process comprising: a) providing a wood preservative composition comprised of one or more particulate additives comprised of particles having diameters in the range of 0.001 to 25 microns; b) applying said composition to wood such that at least some of the particles penetrate the surface of the wood. 
     
     
         10 . A process as in  claim 9 , wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of inorganic pigments, organic pigments, water repellants, anti-weathering agents, dimensional stabilization agents, fire retardants and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         11 . A process as in  claim 9  wherein fewer than 20 weight percent of the particles have a diameter of greater than 25 microns. 
     
     
         12 . A process as in  claim 9  wherein fewer than 20 weight percent of the particles have a diameter of less than 0.005 microns. 
     
     
         13 . A process as in  claim 9  wherein at least 50 weight percent of the particles have diameters in the range of 0.01 microns to 1 micron. 
     
     
         14 . A process as in  claim 9  wherein greater than 80 weight percent of the particles have diameters which are less than 1 micron. 
     
     
         15 . A process as in  claim 9 , wherein greater than 85, 90, 95 or 99 weight percent of the additive particles have diameters in the range of 0.001 microns to 25 microns 
     
     
         16 . A process as in  claim 9 , wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of iron oxides, carbon black, titanium dioxide paraffin wax, acrylic polymer, and zinc borate. 
     
     
         17 . A process as in  claim 9 , further comprising performing a) by grinding said additive into miconized form. 
     
     
         18 . Wood comprising a wood preservative composition which comprises a particulate additive which is inside the wood, wherein at least some of the particles of said additive have diameters in the range of from 0.001 to 25 microns. 
     
     
         19 . Wood as in  claim 18 , wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of inorganic pigments, organic pigments, water repellants, anti-weathering agents, dimensional stabilization agents, and fire retardants. 
     
     
         20 . Wood as in  claim 18  wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of iron oxides, carbon black, titanium dioxide paraffin wax, acrylic polymer, and zinc borate.