New Biocide-Free Wood Protection
Archroma introduces Siligen® MIH liq, a new biocide-free wood protection technology developed in collaboration with the University of Goettingen.
Archroma, a pioneering company in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, introduces a Siligen® MIH liq, a new biocide-free wood protection technology developed together with the University of Goettingen, Germany.
(Photo: University of Goettingen)
Wood evolves over time as a natural raw material, which is what makes it so beautiful and unique. It is also a valuable, long-lasting, and carbon-storing resource that should not be squandered. Fungi, termites, and marine organisms are all especially sensitive to climate conditions, especially moisture.
These can affect the wood’s strength, stability, and durability over time. The majority of wood-protection treatments are based on biocides, which can contain potentially toxic substances like heavy metals.
As a result, Archroma and the University of Goettingen in Germany decided to look into a solution that would not only extend the life of outdoor wood materials, but also improve their appearance.
The result: Siligen® MIH liq, a non-biocidal wood modification treatment to create more stable and durable solid woods, veneers and wood-based composites for applications such as windows, facade claddings, outdoor furniture, terrace 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 fixated at < 80 °C with an equipment already available at most production facilities applying conventional biocides. The energy consumption is thus similar to most aqueous biocidal wood preservative treatments.
Wood treated with Siligen® MIH liq is highly resistant to decay fungi. Treated wood weathers better and maintains its natural appearance with fewer discolorations and changes in feel.
Siligen® MIH liq will be introduced at the Annual Conference of the International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG WP) IRG53 conference in Slovenia taking place on 29 May to 2 June, 2022 in Bled, Slovenia.
Prof. Holger Militz, Head of the Department of Wood Biology and Wood Products at the University of Göttingen, Germany, adds: “Our research has been focusing for many years on the development of new wood protection systems. With Siligen® MIH we explored a system where the wood is protected against fungi and termites without the need of complicated treatment technology. Existing vacuum and pressure plants and normal wood dryers are sufficient to use this new technology.”
Miquel Vila, Global Head of New Markets at Archroma, comments: “We are very excited to collaborate with like-minded partners such as the University of Goettingen. 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.”
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