Investigations of copper-based biocides in wood preservation
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In collaboration with Prof John Ruddick (IBC Wood Science), Wei Xue in the Kennepohl Group is exploring the fate of next generation copper-based biocides and their ability to protect wood from biological agents. Our work has demonstrated that new 'micronized copper' biocides generate soluble copper species within sawdust samples, indicating that these approaches are likely effective in protecting wood products from bacteria and fungi. Current efforts seek to quantify and localize the available soluble copper species and to assess the biocide activity during in situ experiments.
See recent publications (Xue et al, 41st IRG; Xue et al, 42nd IRG; Xue et al, Holzforschung 2012) for details.