This summer was a busy period in the world of wood protection technology, with the launch of not one but two new products.
Archroma, a global leader in speciality chemicals providing sustainable solutions, was first off the blocks – by a whisker – introducing Siligen MIH liq, a new biocide-free wood protection technology, which it has developed together with the University of Goettingen in Germany.
The launch took place at the Annual Conference of the International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG WP) IRG53, which was held from May 29 to June 2, 2022 in Bled, Slovenia.
Siligen MIH liq is a non-biocidal wood modification treatment designed to create more stable and durable solid woods, veneers and wood-based composites for applications such as windows, cladding, outdoor furniture, decking, in-ground platforms, parquet flooring and marine applications.
It is applied by impregnation and subsequent drying. Siligen MIH liq impregnated wood can be dried and the molecules fixed at <80°C with equipment already available at most production facilities applying conventional biocides. The energy consumption is thus similar to most aqueous biocidal wood preservative treatments.
Archroma says that wood treated with Siligen MIH liq shows excellent protection against decay fungi and that treated wood displays improved weathering performance and keeps its natural appearance with fewer discolorations.
“Our research has been focusing for many years on the development of new wood protection systems,” said Professor Holger Militz, head of the Department of Wood Biology and Wood Products at the University of Göettingen.
“With Siligen MIH we explored a system where the wood is protected against fungi and termites without the need for complicated treatment technology. Existing vacuum and pressure plants and normal wood dryers are sufficient to use this new technology.”
“We are very excited to collaborate with like-minded partners such as the University of Goettingen,” added Miquel Vila, global head of new markets at Archroma. “The new biocide-free wood protection technology Siligen MIH liq is a great illustration of ‘The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature’.”
This launch was very closely followed by that of Finnish fire protection solutions manufacturer Nordtreat, which introduced its new product – NORFLAM – at the Carrefour International du Bois tradeshow, which took place in Nantes from June 1-3.
NORFLAM is a flame retardant system for wood-based panels and other wood products for interior use. The two-product water-based system comprises high performance fire protection primer NORFLAM TP and top coat NORFLAM TT.
The NORFLAM system is approved for all interior wood products with a density higher than 338kg/m3 and a thickness greater than 8mm. It is aimed at the fire protection treatment of plywood, OSB, LVL and solid wood panels.
Nordtreat says wood products treated with the NORFLAM system achieve a reaction for fire class B-s1,d0 according to EN 13501.
The finish of NORFLAM can be clear or translucent toned and at the moment there are nine colour choices.
