FTIR aids wood preservation by measuring the potency of liquid pesticide solutions. This allows for a fast and more efficient retention determination.
Wood continues to be a crucial material in both construction and global trade, as it is versatile and sustainable. However, its vulnerability to pests and decay requires effective protective measures. Particularly for wood used in structural elements such as roof frames or outdoor features an effective pest-protection is essential.
Here the method of choice is the use of broad spectrum pesticides such as bifenthrin. However, if retention levels inside the wood are too low, the protection provided diminishes fast, which reduces the treatments effectiveness. It is thus vital to determine how much of the chemical remains in the wood after application.
How FTIR Technology Makes Testing Easier
Traditionally, testing chemical retention in wood involves sending treated wood samples to external laboratories. The analytical process takes days or even weeks delaying production and impacting supply chains. Thus, it is understandable that the wood industry was searching for a faster way to reliably confirm the quality of the wood treatment. The Australian-based company AKD was up to the challenge and teamed up with Bruker to develop such a method. Let’s have a closer look at what they came up with.
ALPHA II working it’s magic
Basically, FTIR determines the solution strength of the treatment chemical and predicts how well its retention will be.
But how does that work in detail?
Bruker’s ALPHA II was used to measure the solution strengths of bifenthrin at various levels. Timber was then treated with these solutions and subsequently analyzed using traditional methods to determine the retention levels. This data was correlated with the initial solution strengths to create a calibration curve for the ALPHA II. The calibration curve is transferred into a model using statistical fitting techniques. This process creates a mathematical equation that links solution strength to retention levels. With this established method, it becomes possible to predict whether the bifenthrin will achieve the desired retention levels.
But is a spectroscopic technique such as FTIR really suitable for the challenges of a demanding work environment such as in the wood industry? In fact, not every FTIR device would perform well under these circumstances. But the ALPHA II is a very robust analytical tool. ALPHA’s RockSolid™ interferometer is shock and vibration resistant. And since it is inert to high-humidity the ALPHA II also stands its ground in hot, humid, on-site labs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ALPHA II spectrometer provides a highly effective and efficient method for assessing pesticide retention in treated wood. Its ability to deliver fast, on-site results eliminates delays associated with traditional laboratory testing, enhancing production timelines. Designed to withstand demanding conditions, the ALPHA II ensures reliable performance in environments where durability and precision are critical, ultimately improving the effectiveness of wood treatment processes.
Would you like to know more about how FTIR is aiding in everything wood? Then have a look at our blog about testing your parquet for Ammonia.
