Feeding 9 Billion: Innovations in Agricultural Modeling
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Innovative Wood Protection Against Termites Without Toxins
Is it possible to protect wood against termites without the use of heavily toxic compounds? Scientists at University of Göttingen (Germany), identified the use of polyorganosiloxane to protect wood or wood containing composites against termites.
The innovative wood treatment confers resistance against termites avoiding the use of toxic biocidal agents. It is also not readily leached out from treated wood, and also confers resistance to staining-, mould- and decay-fungi. The treatment does not require extensive weight gain in order to show acceptable activity as compared to other types of chemical wood modifications. It also adds value to non-durable wood. Termites destroy wood and wooden structures likes e.g. homes. The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS) considers termites as pests. Total US damages are estimated to 11 billion US$ including preventive as well as repair related measures. Particularly the formosan subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus shiraki is considered as “high priority” by the USDA. Current methods to protect wooden structures from termite damage include the use of naturally durable wood species, chemical treatment of wood or of soil, require due to increasing environmental concerns alternative solutions, which are effective, avoid use of biocidals and do not require an expensive and extensive weight gain to show acceptable activity. Thus there is still a need for wood preservatives which confer resistance against termites, are multi-functional, avoid the use of toxic biocidals and do not require costly extensive weight gain to show acceptable activity. We are now looking for companies, which are interested in licensing, developing and commercializing our approach.
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MBM ScienceBridge GmbH
Phone: (0551) 30724-152
Contact
Dr. Jens-Peter Horst
