U.S. patent application number 09/879690 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-03 for method for using neem extracts and derivatives for protecting wood and other cellulosic composites.
Invention is credited to Brucker, Barry R., Subbaraman, Ramesh B..
Application Number | 20020001606 09/879690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22537985 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020001606 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Subbaraman, Ramesh B. ; et
al. |
January 3, 2002 |
Method for using neem extracts and derivatives for protecting wood
and other cellulosic composites
Abstract
Disclosed are novel methods for a protecting or preserving wood,
wood composites and other cellulosic materials, and in addition,
disrupting the feeding behavior and growth cycle of termites,
wood-borers and other insects, by applying certain compositions
thereto which contain azadirachtin carried in neem tree extracts.
Disclosed are novel neem extract compositions for coating,
penetrating, treating, and curing said cellulosic materials which
are non-toxic and provide long active lifetimes. The compositions
contain the neem extracts in combination with binding and bittering
agents which enhance the effectiveness of the extracts. The
compositions are made from natural, active ingredients and are
water resistant. The compositions are found to be non-reactive and
non-toxic to vertebrates and non-polluting of surrounding soils.
When used as intended in non-aerobic applications, the compositions
are resistant to oxidation and ozonation. In addition, when used as
intended in areas without sunlight, i.e. subterranean or concealed
use, the compositions are not subject to UV and photo
degradation.
Inventors: |
Subbaraman, Ramesh B.;
(Fullerton, CA) ; Brucker, Barry R.; (Beverly
Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Attention: Norman E. Carte
STRADLING, YOCCA, CARLSON & RAUTH
IP DEPARTMENT
660 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 1600
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92660
US
|
Family ID: |
22537985 |
Appl. No.: |
09/879690 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09879690 |
Jun 12, 2001 |
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09151264 |
Sep 11, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/413 ; 422/1;
428/540; 428/541; 514/468; 514/493; 514/919; 514/931 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 65/00 20130101;
A01N 65/00 20130101; Y10T 428/662 20150401; B27K 3/343 20130101;
Y10S 514/919 20130101; B27K 3/50 20130101; A01N 43/90 20130101;
Y10T 428/4935 20150401; B27K 3/38 20130101; Y10S 424/11 20130101;
Y10S 424/10 20130101; A01N 43/90 20130101; B27K 3/15 20130101; A01N
65/26 20130101; A01N 31/08 20130101; A01N 31/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/413 ;
514/493; 514/468; 514/919; 514/931; 428/540; 428/541; 422/1 |
International
Class: |
A01N 025/34; A01N
001/00; A01N 043/08; A01N 055/04; A01N 025/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of treatment for protecting and preserving cellulosic
materials comprising: a) providing a cellulosic material substrate
substantially free of azadirachtin; b) treating the celluslosic
material substrate by applying a composition comprising
azadirachtin carried in a neem plant material extract such that a
minimal portion of the composition is absorbed into the cellulosic
material substrate; and c) curing the treated cellulosic material
substrate.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the neem plant material
extract is neem seed oil.
3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the neem seed oil is
used in an amount ranging from 3% to 40% by weight of the
composition.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the neem plant material
extract is neem leaf paste.
5. The method according to claim 4 wherein the neem leaf paste is
used in an amount ranging from 10% to 25% by weight of the
composition.
6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the neem leaf paste
particle size distribution is in the range of approximately 10
microns to 1 millimeter.
7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the treated celluslosic
material substrate is cured by drying and binding the composition
to the cellulosic substrate under ambient temperature and
pressure.
8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the treated celluslosic
material substrate is cured by dry-autoclaving.
9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the cellulosic material
substrate is lumber.
10. The method according to claim 1 wherein the composition is
selected from the group consisting of caulk, paint, stain, sealant,
paste and glue.
11. A method of treatment for protecting and preserving lumber
comprising: a) providing a lumber substrate substantially free of
azadirachtin; b) treating the lumber substrate by applying a
composition comprising azadirachtin carried in a neem plant
material extract such that a minimal portion of the composition is
absorbed into the lumber substrate and coating the exposed surface
to be protected wherein the neem plant material extract is selected
from the group consisting of neem seed oil and neem leaf paste; and
c) curing the treated lumber substrate.
12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the neem seed oil is
used in an amount ranging from 3% to 40% by weight of the
composition and the neem leaf paste is used in an amount ranging
from 10% to 25% by weight of the composition.
13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the neem leaf paste
particle size distribution is in the range of approximately 10
microns to 1 millimeter.
14. The method according to claim 11 wherein the treated lumber
substrate is cured by drying the composition under ambient
temperature and pressure.
15. The method according to claim 11 wherein the treated lumber
substrate is cured by dry-autoclaving.
16. The method according to claim 11 wherein the composition is
selected from the group consisting of caulk, paint, stain, sealant,
paste and glue.
17. The method according to claim 11 wherein the composition
further comprises a lignin compound, in addition to that already
present in the neem plant material extract in nature, in an amount
ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the composition.
18. The method according to claim 17 wherein the lignin compound is
selected from the group consisting of Lignin, Lignin Sulfonic Acid,
Lignin Sulfate, and Lignin Oil.
19. The method according to claim 11 wherein the composition
further comprises a tannin compound, in addition to that already
present in the neem plant material extract in nature, in an amount
ranging from 3% to 8% by weight of the composition.
20. The method according to claim 19 wherein the tannin compound is
selected from the group consisting of Catechol Tannin and Catechol
Tannin complex butyl.
21. A composition for protecting and preserving lumber where the
lumber is substantially free of azadirachtin comprising: a) a neem
plant material extract; and b) a binding agent selected from the
group consisting of lignin and tannin, in addition to that already
present in the neem plant material extract.
22. The composition according to claim 21 wherein the neem plant
material extract is neem seed oil.
23. The composition according to claim 22 wherein the neem seed oil
is used in an amount ranging from 3% to 40% by weight of the
composition.
24. The composition according to claim 21 wherein the neem plant
material extract is neem leaf paste.
25. The composition according to claim 24 wherein the neem leaf
paste is used in an amount ranging from 10% to 25% by weight of the
composition.
26. The composition according to claim 25 wherein the neem leaf
paste particle size distribution is in the range of approximately
10 microns to 1 millimeter.
27. The composition according to claim 21 wherein the binding agent
is a lignin compound in an amount ranging from 1% to 50% by weight
of the composition, in addition to that already present in the neem
plant material extract in nature.
28. The method according to claim 27 wherein the lignin compound is
selected from the group consisting of Lignin, Lignin Sulfonic Acid,
Lignin Sulfate, and Lignin Oil.
29. The method according to claim 21 wherein the binding agent is a
tannin compound in an amount ranging from 3% to 8% by weight of the
composition, in addition to that already present in the neem plant
material extract in nature.
30. The method according to claim 29 wherein the tannin compound is
selected from the group consisting of Catechol Tannin and Catechol
Tannin complex butyl.
31. A composition for protecting and preserving lumber where the
lumber is substantially free of azadirachtin comprising: a) a neem
plant material extract; and b) a lignin binding agent in an amount
ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the composition, in addition to
that already present in the neem plant material extract in
nature.
32. A composition for protecting and preserving lumber where the
lumber is substantially free of azadirachtin comprising: a) a neem
plant material extract; and b) a tannin binding agent in an amount
ranging from 3% to 8% by weight of the composition, in addition to
that already present in the neem plant material extract in nature.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Neem seeds, oil, leaves and twig sap have been used for
medicinal and therapeutic purposes in treating or preventing
ailments relating to the alimentary canal, ulcers, diabetes, skin,
gums, teeth and hair. The neem leaves, when mixed with earth
mortar, have been used in flooring and plastering of walls
containing twigs and vines that act as reinforcement. The leaves
have been known to protect the organically rich soil and the
reinforcement for a considerable amount of time.
[0002] With the isolation of azadirachtin from the oil of neem
seeds, it has been observed that azadirachtin--a
tetranortriterpenoid having a molecular weight of 720.23--is the
active ingredient that is a highly effective insect feeding
deterrent. Various neem seed extracts, particularly those
containing azadirachtin, are now known to influence the feeding
behavior, growth regulation, and fecundity of numerous species of
insects and fungi. Currently, azadirachtin is being investigated
for prospective use as a biodegradable, non-toxic pesticide.
[0003] The prior art is replete with teachings of azadirachtin or
azadirachtin-containing neem extracts, and methods of preparing the
same, for use as pesticides. Azadirachtin and
azadirachtin-containing neem extracts are desirable as pesticides
in that they are non-toxic to humans and the environment. What is
currently lacking in this art is ways in which to expand the uses
of this environmentally safe, non-toxic insecticide.
[0004] Heretofore, for example, the use of neem extracts in
compositions suitable for protecting wood and other cellulosic
materials from infestation and destruction by termites, wood borers
and other insects is unknown in the art.
[0005] Moreover, it is heretofore unknown in the art to use neem
leaf paste in a composition suitable for protecting and preserving
wood and other cellulosic materials from infestation and
destruction by termites, wood borers and other insects.
[0006] Another shortcoming of azadirachtin is its stability i.e.,
it has a relatively short shelf life. The prior art discloses
various attempts at retarding the degradation of azadirachtin.
These prior art attempts typically involve extraction of the
azadirachtin through the use of solvents at elevated temperatures
and/or pressures. The current invention and applications preserve
the efficacy of azadirachtin and avoid the precursors to
degradation which result in loss of efficacy.
[0007] The invention preserves the efficacy of the azadirachtin in
the neem plant extract by adding preservative, binding agents, in
quantities above that naturally present in the neem plant extracts.
These binding agents, lignins and tannins, are used individually or
in combination to preserve the azadirachtin.
[0008] Lignin is a natural phenolic polymer that is found in the
cell walls of plant material. Lignin is extremely resistant to
chemical and enzymic degradation, and it is not soluble in ordinary
solvents unless it is degraded. Consequently, lignin is not readily
biodegradable, impedes lytic actions of solvents in a wide range of
pH levels, and provides corrosion resistance properties.
[0009] The melting point of lignin is measured around
250-275.degree. Celsius, depending on the contact isomers. Lignins
formed from the soda process, a common process in the field, are
observed to have a lower melting range and offer better flow
properties. Calcium lignosulfonate, a lignin derivative, is capable
of polymerization under heat, which makes it useful in autoclaving
for the cementing of the penetrated compositions and/or
mixtures.
[0010] Tannin is a generic name for a family of weak polyphenolic
acids that occur in the bark, woody tissues, and leaves of certain
plants. In plants, tannins are believed to provide resistance to
disease by binding to and reducing the availability of proteins in
damaged plant tissue. Tannins tend to polymerize into insoluble
compounds. There are two main types of tannins, namely pyrogallol
tannins and catechol tannins. Catechol tannins exhibit
significantly higher resistance to heat and decay than the
pyrogallol tannins. Thus, catechol tannins have been used to
protect fishing nets, sails, and leather goods against rotting and
degrading under wet weathering.
[0011] Heretofore, the use of neem extracts in combination with
additive concentrations of lignin or tannins for any purpose is
unknown in the art, and in particular for protecting wood
composites and other cellulosic materials from infestation and
destruction by termites, wood borers and other insects. The
additive quantities of Lignin and Tannin far exceed the naturally
occurring quantities in the neem plant or any other wood. The prior
art does not teach the use of these components in combination for
the preservation of wood composites and other cellulosic materials.
The synergistic effects of these components used in combination are
multiple, namely:
[0012] a) The broader antimicrobicidal activity;
[0013] b) The prolonged effective shelf and active life;
[0014] c) The improvement of basic properties, viz a viz, adhesion
and water resistance.
[0015] The compositions described are applicable to softwood lumber
and plywood for use in light commercial and residential
foundations. The compositions work within the confines of the basic
material and construction requirements, which are found in the
design and fabrication of permanent wood foundation systems. The
compositions offer coating, encapsulation, covering, barrier
formation and preservation functions aside from the functions of
the medium transporting the composition, i.e., paint, stain, caulk,
or paste.
[0016] The compositions may be applied on foundation quality
softwood lumber such as Fir, Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine,
Western Hemlock and plywoods composed of softwood plies with
exterior glue. For pressure treating lumber, the necessary
preconditioning procedures may be carried out with the
compositions.
[0017] These compositions are novel through their unique selection
and combination of ingredients. No other combination disclosed in
the prior art has achieved the qualities that the presently
disclosed combinations have achieved, i.e. water resistance,
resistance to oxidation and ozonation, resistance to UV and photo
degradation, and a long effective life.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to methods for protecting and
preserving wood and other cellulose composites from termites and
other insects by applying certain compositions of extracts and
derivatives of the neem plant. The present invention also relates
to these novel compositions so applied in which unique anti-feedant
and preservative effects have been detected, as well as long
effective life.
[0019] The compositions are made from natural, active ingredients
and are water resistant. The compositions are found to be
non-reactive and non-toxic to vertebrates and non-polluting of the
surrounding soils. The compositions contain no high purity and
expensive extractives. When used as intended in non-aerobic
applications, the compositions are resistant to oxidation and
ozonation. In addition, when used as intended in areas without
sunlight, i.e. subterranean or concealed use, the compositions are
not subject to UV and photo degradation.
[0020] The invention is directed toward the use of neem seed oil
and neem leaf paste, either singly or in combination with each
other or with other bittering and binding agents, as the active
insect control agent in treatments applied to wood and wood
composites. The synergistic effect of applying the neem extracts in
combination with added amounts of binding and bittering agents,
such as lignin and/or tannin, produces enhanced preservative
effects against a wider variety of insects and for a longer
effective life than is present or suggested in the prior art.
[0021] Novel methods and compositions of neem extracts, oil, and
leaf paste concentrate are disclosed which not only result in a
protectorant or preservative for wood, wood composites and other
cellulosic materials, but also disrupt the feeding behavior and
growth cycle of termites, wood-borers and other insects. When
submerged in soils or otherwise exposed to water, the novel
compositions so used and applied are generally insoluble in water
and therefore provide long-lasting protection of the cellulosic
materials.
[0022] Therefore, it is an object of this invention to disclose
novel methods of protecting wood, wood compositions, and other
cellulosic material utilizing new and effective compositions of
neem extracts. A further object of this invention is to disclose
novel methods and compositions involving combinations of neem plant
extracts fortified with additional concentrations of binding agents
such as lignin and tannin, for the synergistic effect of improved
protection from environmental forces. Accordingly, it is an object
of this invention to provide novel azadirachtin-containing
formulations, including neem leaf paste compositions and other
agents, for preserving and protecting wood, wood composites and
other cellulosic materials. It is a further object of the instant
invention to provide formulations which both inhibit infestation
and act as a protectorant for wood materials and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Not Applicable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The instant invention is directed to novel methods of
treating and preserving wood, wood composites and other cellulosic
products which are substantially free of azadirachtin. Possible
uses of the inventive methods include with lumber exposed directly
or indirectly to soil, with lumber concealed from sunlight but
still exposed to water, and with lumber other similar environments.
The use of the inventive methods involves applying certain novel
compositions including neem oil and neem leaf paste, used singly or
in combination. The compositions also include binders, dispersing
agents and other conventional wood preservatives, such as tannin
and lignin, and act as preservatives and insecticides.
[0025] The compositions described are applicable to softwood lumber
and plywood for use in light commercial and residential
foundations. The compositions work within the confines of the basic
material and construction requirements, which are found in the
design and fabrication of permanent wood foundation systems. The
compositions offer coating, encapsulation, covering, barrier
formation and preservation functions aside from the functions of
the medium transporting the composition, i.e., paint, stain, caulk,
or paste.
[0026] The compositions may be applied on foundation quality
softwood lumber. Examples of types of lumber include but are not
limited to Fir, Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Red Pine, Western Hemlock and
plywoods composed of softwood plies with exterior glue. For
pressure treating lumber, the necessary preconditioning procedures
may be carried out with the compositions.
[0027] These compositions are novel through their unique selection
and combination of ingredients. The compositions are made from
natural, active ingredients and are water resistant. The
compositions are found to be non-reactive and non-toxic to
vertebrates and non-polluting of the surrounding soils. The
compositions contain no high purity and expensive extractives. When
used as intended in non-aerobic applications, the compositions are
resistant to oxidation and ozonation. In addition, when used as
intended in areas without sunlight, i.e. subterranean or concealed
use, the compositions are not subject to UV and photo
degradation.
[0028] No other combination disclosed in the prior art has achieved
the qualities that the presently disclosed combinations have
achieved, i.e. water resistance, resistance to oxidation and
ozonation, resistance to UV and photo degradation, and a long
effective life. These combinations are novel in both their
properties and in the unique selection and combination of
components.
[0029] The neem oil and neem leaf paste contain azadirachtin. The
efficacy of the azadirachtin-containing neem oil and neem leaf
paste against termites, wood-borers and other insects, is utilized
by coating, covering, encapsulating, penetrating, treating and
otherwise applying same to wood, lumber and cellulosic composites
thereby protecting said cellulosic material. The neem extract is
either thick and viscous or thinned according to the preferred
application, and remains generally insoluble in water so that the
composition has a longer active life than the compositions in the
prior art. This is accomplished by not isolating the extract, but
rather fortifying the extract with binding agents and natural
bitters, such as lignin and tannins.
[0030] The present invention applies well-known ingredients in
combinations and concentrations not otherwise occurring naturally,
and in areas and under circumstances not previously used or even
suggested by the prior art. In the present invention, the
azadirachtin is not isolated from the neem oil or neem leaf paste.
Consequently, this active agent has a longer shelf life and active
life than the prior art, and the compositions so made are
non-reactive or otherwise toxic to the surrounding soil and
environment.
[0031] The process for preparing stable neem leaf paste is a novel
open to atmosphere, no heat process which includes the following
steps:
[0032] 1) classifying and de-matting neem leaves in bundles (leaves
used for this purpose should be of a moisture content of not less
than the critical moisture content);
[0033] 2) washing and straining to remove dirt, rocks and other
inert matter;
[0034] 3) crushing and grinding to open up the effective surface
area of the active plant material;
[0035] 4) wet milling;
[0036] 5) straining; and
[0037] 6) homogenizing with neem oil and an emulsifier.
[0038] The resulting particle size distribution is in the range of
approximately ten (10) microns to one (1) millimeter. The
homogenized neem leaf paste is used as the active ingredient in
caulks, joinery pastes and coating for lumber and other
construction materials that come into direct or indirect contact
with the earth. Preferably, the application comprises the neem leaf
paste in an amount ranging from approximately 10% to 25% by weight
of the overall composition.
[0039] Other compositions which have been found useful in the
methods of the present invention include neem seed oil in
combination with cross-linking or binding agents, such as lignin or
tannin; extenders or bulk builders for structural rigidity, such as
creosote and other resins; bittering agents, such as tannin;
emulsifying agents; and/or transporting components, such as linseed
oil. Lignin sulfonic acids and sulfonates are added to certain
compositions to aid as emulsifying agents. The lignins and tannins,
in the present invention, also have been found to be effective at
producing a high degree of homogeneity in the overall composition
by coalescing with the binding resins and the oils, as well as
being effective at extending the coatings.
[0040] The following examples are provided to illustrate various
suggested formulations of the neem extract composition for
specified functions in accordance with the instant invention. These
examples are not intended to be construed as limiting the invention
in any way except as indicated in the appended claims. All
percentages are by weight and are intended as approximations only
and are provided herein for the clarity of the purposes and methods
necessary for such applications.
EXAMPLE 1
[0041] For caulks, joinery pastes and coatings for lumber and other
construction materials:
1 Water Reducible Acrylic-Alkyd Copolymer 20-40% Methyl
Methacrylate Fixative Resin 1-5% De-ionized or distilled Water
15-35% Neem Paste Emulsion 5-25% Neem Oil 3-15% Emulsifier 1-5%
2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol 1-5% Epoxified Sesame Oil 4-10%
[0042] The above ingredients are homogenized into a composition
that results in the consistency of an extrudable paste.
EXAMPLE 2
[0043] For impregnating and coating treated/dry lumber for termite
and wood borer protection:
2 Creosote Oil 25-50% Lignin 20-50% Neem Seed Oil 3-15%
Hydroquinone (as antioxidant for Neem Oil) 1-3%
[0044] The above ingredients are thoroughly blended without
entrapping air, to result in a free flowing oil consistency.
EXAMPLE 3
[0045] For painting raw lumber for construction of foundation:
3 Lignin 5-20% Creosote Coal Tar Solution 55-85% Neem Seed Oil
4-20%
[0046] The above ingredients are thoroughly blended without
entrapping air, to result in a liquid with the consistency of a
brushable paint.
EXAMPLE 4
[0047]
4 For coating construction lumber: Vinylpyrollidone Styrene
Copolymer 10-30% De-ionized water 20-45%
2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol 1-5% Neem seed oil in water emulsion
4-20% Emulsifying agent (e.g., Lignin Sulfonic Acid 1-5% or Lignin
Sulfate) Aqueous Dispersion pigment 1-5% (of color choice)
Epoxified linseed oil 1-8%
[0048] The above ingredients are thoroughly blended without
entrapping air, to result in a liquid with the consistency of a
brushable paint.
EXAMPLE 5
[0049] For coating, painting and joining of construction
lumber:
5 Vinylpyrollidone styrene copolymer 15-35% De-ionized water 25-50%
2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol 1-5% Neem seed oil in water emulsion
4-20% Water Reducible Acrylic/medium oil alkyd resin 5-20%
Emulsifying agent 1-5% Aqueous Pigment dispersion 1-5% Epoxified
linseed oil 1-8%
[0050] As an alternative to vinylpyrollidone styrene copolymer,
polyvinylpyrolidone vinylacetate copolymer may be used.
[0051] The above ingredients are intimately homogenized to result
in thin consistency, brushable paint.
EXAMPLE 6
[0052]
6 For treating lumber: Tung oil 25-45% Lignin oil 25-45% Neem seed
oil 4-20% Asphaltum 2-10% Epoxified linseed oil 1-5% Hydroquinone
(as antioxidant for Neem Oil) 1-3%
[0053] The above ingredients are mixed thoroughly without
entrapping air to result in a free flowing oil.
EXAMPLE 7
[0054] For Barrier Paste compositions for coating subterranean wood
and lumber:
7 Teak Saw dust, particle size avg. 5-25% (40 to 100 mesh,
slow-dried below 85.degree. Fahrenheit) Long oil Alkyd resin 10-25%
Neem Oil 4-20% Complex butyl methyl phenol 0-5% Pentasodium Salt of
Diethylenetriamine- 0-5% penta-acetic Acid Styrenated Linseed Oil
20-35% Catechol Tannin 3-8%
[0055] The above ingredients are blended thoroughly without
entrapping air to yield a composition having the consistency of an
extrudable paste.
EXAMPLE 8
[0056] For impregnating and dry-autoclaving of wood and lumber:
8 Neem seed oil 15-40% Styrenated Linseed oil 30-60% Catechol
Tannin complex butyl 3-8% Methyl Phenol 1-10% Teak wood oil
1-8%
[0057] The above ingredients are blended thoroughly without
entrapping air to result in a free flowing, sprayable oil
composition.
[0058] Preferably, as shown above, the neem seed oil is used in an
amount ranging from approximately 3% to 40%, by weight, of the
composition depending upon the specific application or treatment.
Also, as so formulated, these compositions are generally water
insoluble, non-acidic and non-reactive, having pH levels ranging
from about 6.0 and greater. These combinations of active and
inactive ingredients produce synergistic effects that have not been
exploited in the field, nor have they been suggested by the prior
art. This synergism displays enhanced preservative effects over a
wider range of insect and environmental forces for a longer active
lifetime and stability than anything presented in the prior
art.
[0059] The methods and compositions in the present invention are
superior to and represent significant improvements over the prior
art in that the methods and compositions disclosed herein provide
long lasting protection of wood and other cellulosic materials from
termites and other wood boring insects. These compositions are
generally insoluble in water, non-acidic and non-reactive. Thus,
the compositions, as applied to wood and exposed to soil or other
environments permitting exposure to water, are not readily removed
or diluted through such water exposure. Furthermore, the
compositions are generally non-toxic to the soil and
environment.
[0060] The composition acts effectively for an extended period of
time as a result of the locations in which the compositions are
applied, where there is a lack of oxidative, ozonative and
ultraviolet radiative precursors to degradation. The oily nature of
the coatings and compositions prevents the hydrolytic weathering of
bonded and cured material.
[0061] The above-described preferred embodiments are intended to
illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit its
scope. Other embodiments and variations to these preferred
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *