Application of Pyrolysis Acid from Date Palm Waste as Wood Preservative

Matched sets of clear specimens of poplar and pine wood were treated with 3, 5, and 8% (v/v) aqueous solutions of slow pyrolysis acid (PA) derived from date palm waste, to evaluate the effectiveness of PA in controlling mold growth on species of wood. Chemical compounds available in PA were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Treated and control specimens were contaminated with Aspergillus sp., then incubated in accordance to AWPA E24 (2017). Percentages of occupied surface by mold on each of control and treated specimen with respect to its total surface were evaluated by Image-J software. Comparisons of mean values of these determined ratios and physical examinations showed that, depending on species, the 5 and 8% water solutions of PA prohibited Aspergillus growth on tested woods. Experiments were also conducted on a matched set of small clear specimens of beech wood, impregnated by 3, 5, and 8% water solutions (v/v) of PA, using full-cell process and contaminated with decay fungus (Trametes versicolor), then incubated. Specifications of the EN 113 (1996) standard were followed. Weight loss was applied for comparing control and treated specimens. Average values of weight losses indicated that the 5% solution was effective, but 8% solution presented a better result.