Hydrogels obtained from an original catanionic system for efficient formulation of boron wood-preservatives

A new catanionic system associating amphiphilic carnosine (βAlaHisC8) and lauric acid forms supramolecular hydrogel at a very low concentration. This gel was investigated and we checked the validity of the concept of hydrogel utilization to reduce boron leachability and to develop new wood protection treatments. Impregnation with 5% aqueous borax solution (w/w) and 0.3% gelator agent (w/w) fosters improvement in the resistance of Scots pine sapwood subjected to water leaching toward the brown-rot fungus Poria placenta, while samples treated with 5% aqueous borax solution were partially degraded by the fungus. These results clearly indicate the effectiveness of hydrogel to retain boron in wood.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Hydrogel from catanionic system associating amphiphilic carnosine and lauric acid. ► Formulation of boron in hydrogel to reduce boron leachability from treated wood. ► Improvement of wood decay resistance.