The present application relates to a process for treating a lignocellulosic material with at least one polyorganosiloxane compound, the polyorganosiloxane compound comprising a polyorganosiloxane backbone and at least one ammonium group residue of formula (I):

##STR00001## wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 independently from each other signify linear, cyclic or branched, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.45 hydrocarbon residues optionally including one or more hetero atoms of O, S, N, signifies the binding site linking to the polyorganosiloxane backbone.

We disclose novel metallic nanoparticles coated with a thin protective carbon shell, and three-dimensional nano-metallic sponges; methods of preparation of the nanoparticles; and uses for these novel materials, including wood preservation, strengthening of polymer and fiber/polymer building materials, and catalysis.

The present invention relates to functionalized polyorganosiloxanes or silanes for the treatment of lignocellulosic materials.

A synergistic aqueous wood preservative composition comprising a copper compound and penflufen. The copper compounds of the compositions of the invention may be soluble, partially solubilized or micronized particles. The penflufen of the compositions of the invention may be solubilized, emulsified or particulate. The wood preservative compositions of the present invention are surprisingly provided as stable dispersions and confer surprising and unexpected resistance to treated wood and wood products.

A method for enhancing wood may include sterilizing the wood. The wood may be inoculated with a fungi to establish a mycelial scaffold within the wood. The mycelia scaffold may be infiltrated with bacteria. Then the bacteria may be incubated so that voids in the wood are filled with biopolymer and biominerals generated by the bacteria.

Methods of applying an agent to an area, such as methods of applying an agent to an area under cultivation, including providing wood fragments that have been treated to absorb the agent, and dispersing the wood fragments about the area under cultivation; methods of creating a fire-resistant area, including providing wood fragments that have been treated to absorb a fire retardant, and dispersing the wood fragments in an area to create the fire-resistant area; and methods of fighting a fire, including providing wood fragments that have been treated to absorb a fire retardant, and dispersing the wood fragments onto the fire.

A stable, low pH aqueous silicate suspension is disclosed for modifying wood article(s). The suspension includes: a metal silicate having a solution concentration of from 1.5 wt % to 52 wt % and characterized by a modulus of from about 1.8 to about 4.0; at least one of a protic acid solution and a buffering acid solution in an amount effective to acidify the metal silicate to a pH of 3.0 or less, preferably to a pH between 1.0 and 3.0; and a multivalent metal salt having a solution concentration from 5 wt % to 25 wt %. The suspension has a pH of 3.0 or less. Wood articles impregnated with the suspension and processes for modifying wood articles with the suspension are also disclosed. The stable, low pH aqueous silicate suspensions provide for an increased depth of impregnation into wood articles as compared with conventional silicate treatments.

A wood preservative composition comprising 4,5-dichloro-2-octylisothiazol-3(2H)-one, a method of treating a wood substrate therewith, and a wood product produced therefrom are provided. The wood preservative composition comprises at least 0.5% by weight of DCOI based on the total weight of the composition and a retaining additive comprising a solvent-borne polymeric resin, a wax, or a combination thereof. A weight ratio of the DCOI to the retaining additive in the composition is in a range of 1:5 to 5:1.

A wood preservative composition comprising 4,5-dichloro-2-octylisothiazol-3(2H)-one, a method of treating a wood substrate therewith, and a wood product produced therefrom are provided. The wood preservative composition comprises at least 0.5% by weight of DCOI based on the total weight of the composition and a retaining additive comprising a solvent-borne polymeric resin, a wax, or a combination thereof. A weight ratio of the DCOI to the retaining additive in the composition is in a range of 1:5 to 5:1.

A method for preserving wood by contacting wood with a composition comprising a polyurethane polymer, non-aqueous solvents, and a wood preservative.