Abstract

This study was aimed to determine combustion characteristics and decay resistance of Spruce [Picea orientalis (L.)], Fir (Abies nordmanniana), Alder [Alnus glutinosa (L.)], and Iroko (Milicia excelsa) woods impregnated with ammonium tetrafluoro borate (1 to 3%) and the mixture of cement and borax (6% to 9%). The combustion test method was performed in three stages: flame stage, without flame stage, and glowing stage according to ASTM E160-50. Our results showed that the lowest temperature according to the experimental results, determined the Alder wood test sample as having the highest retention ratio (46.07 kg/m³). The highest percentage retention was observed in Fir wood with ammonium tetra fluoro borate (6.19%). In combustion from flame; highest temperature was observed in Alder wood with 9% cement + borax mix (576°C), highest light intensity was observed in Alder control wood (267 Lux). Total combustion durations; longest was observed in Iroko (53.33 min), whereas the shortest is observed in Alder wood (17.36 min). White decay fungus caused significant weight loss of control samples and as the concentration of the solution increased, the weight loss decreases.

Key words: Wood, boron compounds, combustion, impregnation, decay.