Reacted copper(II) concentrations in earlywood and latewood of micronized copper-treated Canadian softwood species

Electron paramagnetic resonance was used in conjunction with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to quantify total copper and reacted copper retentions in MCQ and MCA treated Canadian red pine sapwood and western hemlock heartwood. Total copper retentions were distinctly different between earlywood and latewood of both softwood species examined. Earlywood of red pine sapwood had higher total copper content than the latewood, while western hemlock heartwood had higher total copper contents in latewood than earlywood. The reacted copper concentrations were similar in earlywood and latewood, reflecting a similar capacity of each to solubilize and complex the reacted copper.