Abstract
In this report, an experiment was undertaken to examine the effect of physical properties of particleboard on decay resistance, and to establish the preservative method of the board. Raising the density or the resin content of board increased its decay resistance to white rot fungus Pycnoporus coccineus. This relation was, however, reversed in the decay by brown rot fungus Serpula lacrymans. The decay resistance was also influenced by the wood species of raw material and the size of wood particle, but its tendency varied with fungal species. Using of glue with preservatives and spraying preservatives on the surface of board were expected to increase the decay resistance. The impregnation of preservatives into the board under vaccum condition were impractical, because its treatment decreased greatly the strength of the board. Moulds were able to grow on the board, and deteriorated the glue even in case that no decay was found in wood particles. These results suggest that preservative treatment against moulds is necessary in the preservation of particleboards, in addition to the treatment against decay fungi.
