The development of creosote macroemulsions to be used for wood preservation
Creosote treated timber "bleeds" profusely in hot weather and develops tarry, oily surfaces that are difficult to handle and pose a health hazard. The objective of this work is to investigate the possibility of improving the surface condition of the creosote treated timber. The possibility of using creosote macroemulsions for wood impregnation purposes was investigated. Creosote emulsions also present the possibility of improving other creosote characteristics such as penetration and distribution of creosote in wood during treatment. Creosote emulsions were successfully developed by identifying the suitable class of surfactants (anionic}, chemical type of surfactant (unsaturated fatty acids), and type of emulsion (water-in-oil). However, these emulsions could not improve the surface condition of the creosote treated timber. The penetration and distribution characteristics of both the creosote emulsion and unemulsified creosote were satisfactory. Both the creosote emulsion and the unemulsified creosote penetrated the sapwood completely but there was no penetration into the hardwood.
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