Archroma introduces new biocide-free wood protection technology

Archroma, a global leader in speciality chemicals towards sustainable solutions, introduces a Siligen^® MIH liq, a new biocide-free wood protection technology developed together with the University of Goettingen, Germany.

Being a natural raw material, wood evolves over time, and that’s what makes it so unique and beautiful. At the same time, it is a precious, sustainable and carbon-storing resource that should not be wasted. Wood is especially sensitive to climate conditions, in particular moisture, as well as fungi, termites and marine organisms. Over time, these can alter the wood strength, stability and durability. Most treatments used to protect wood are based on biocides and can contain potentially toxic substances such as heavy metals.

Archroma and the University of Goettingen, Germany therefore decided to explore a solution to extend the life duration of outdoor wood materials, but also 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 shows excellent protection against decay fungi. Treated wood displays improved weathering performance and keeps its natural appearance with less discolourations and change 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 May 29 to June 2, 2022 in Bled, Slovenia.

Prof. Holger Militz, Head of the Department of Wood Biology and Wood Products at the University of Göttingen, Germany, added: "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, commented: "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.”