Biocide Encapsulated Nanotubes for Cellulosic Composite Construction Materials

"The U. S. forest products industry had sales of $262B in 1997, two thirds being used for building construction. The use of wood for home construction is an effective, efficient, environmentally friendly, renewable construction material. A problem in using wood is its susceptibility to mold, fungi, and termite infestation, resulting in over $1B/year damage and heighten health concerns. The goal of this project is to develop broad-spectrum biocide-impregnated halloysites (termed NanoCides), and to incorporate them into various wood/ wood composite materials such as oriented strand board (OSB), medium density fiberboard (MDF), ceiling tile, etc. Commercially available biocides will be selected for their ability to protect wood from decay fungi, mold, bacteria and termites. Halloysite is a naturally occurring extremely inexpensive inert aluminosilicate clay that is composed of nanotubes. Encapsulating biocides into halloysite nanotubes will facilitate incorporation of heat labile biocides into wood composite materials, protect and keep biocide dormant until needed and release biocide at a controlled rate. Phase I will be focused on the development of NanoCide and incorporation of NanoCide into MDF. Through a current Cooperative Research Agreement with the Forest Products Laboratory, we are investigating NanoCide loading levels required for MDF. During Phase I, controlled-release experiments will also be performed and the effective efficacy will be determined (i.e., biocide lifetime, biocide protection). Variations in NanoCide preparation will be conducted in an attempt to adjust the rate of biocide release to desired levels and methodology for incorporating NanoCide into MDF will be developed."