According to the present invention there is provided a method of treating timber with a creosote-containing preservative formulation adapted for use at substantially ambient temperature. The formulation comprises: creosote; one or more surfactants such that when diluted with a predetermined quantity of water, the creosote is present as an oil-in-water macroemulsion or microemulsion; and optionally, an anti-foaming agent and/or a fire retardant. It is found empirically that the inventive concentrate allows for the use of creosote, a known-effective biocide, without many of the drawbacks inherent in such use.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of treating timber with a creosote-containing preservative formulation adapted for use at substantially ambient temperature. The formulation comprises: creosote; one or more surfactants such that when diluted with a predetermined quantity of water, the creosote is present as an oil-in-water macroemulsion or microemulsion; and optionally, an anti-foaming agent and/or a fire retardant. It is found empirically that the inventive concentrate allows for the use of creosote, a known-effective biocide, without many of the drawbacks inherent in such use.

Disclosed is a method of reducing insect and microbial decay in wood. The method comprises the steps of: a) immersing the wood in a treatment solution comprising i) a C.sub.1-C.sub.6monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (e.g., monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and ii) creosote; and b) exposing the immersed wood from step a) to conditions which cause the release of boron from the C.sub.1-C.sub.6 monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and which cause the boron to migrate into the interior of the wood.

Disclosed is a method of reducing insect and microbial decay in wood. The method comprises the steps of: a) immersing the wood in a treatment solution comprising i) a C.sub.1-C.sub.6monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (e.g., monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and ii) creosote; and b) exposing the immersed wood from step a) to conditions which cause the release of boron from the C.sub.1-C.sub.6 monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and which cause the boron to migrate into the interior of the wood.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of treating timber with a creosote-containing preservative formulation adapted for use at substantially ambient temperature. The formulation comprises: creosote; one or more surfactants such that when diluted with a predetermined quantity of water, the creosote is present as an oil-in-water macroemulsion or microemulsion; and optionally, an anti-foaming agent and/or a fire retardant. It is found empirically that the inventive concentrate allows for the use of creosote, a known-effective biocide, without many of the drawbacks inherent in such use.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of treating timber with a creosote-containing preservative formulation adapted for use at substantially ambient temperature. The formulation comprises: creosote; one or more surfactants such that when diluted with a predetermined quantity of water, the creosote is present as an oil-in-water macroemulsion or microemulsion; and optionally, an anti-foaming agent and/or a fire retardant. It is found empirically that the inventive concentrate allows for the use of creosote, a known-effective biocide, without many of the drawbacks inherent in such use.

Provided is a wood treatment composition comprising a reaction product produced by reacting a mixture, which includes creosote and a fatty ester component, in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. The reaction mixture may optionally include bunker oil and/or a borate ester. The mixture may comprise i) at least about 85 wt % creosote; and ii) at least about 1 wt % of an ester component containing one or more C.sub.8-C.sub.50 fatty esters. Also provided are wood treated with the composition and methods for using the composition to treat wood.

Provided is a wood treatment composition comprising a reaction product produced by reacting a mixture, which includes creosote and a fatty ester component, in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. The reaction mixture may optionally include bunker oil and/or a borate ester. The mixture may comprise i) at least about 85 wt % creosote; and ii) at least about 1 wt % of an ester component containing one or more C.sub.8-C.sub.50 fatty esters. Also provided are wood treated with the composition and methods for using the composition to treat wood.

Disclosed herein are preservative compositions and methods of using the same for reducing insect and microbial decay in wood. Also disclosed are wooden articles that have been treated with the compositions described herein.

Disclosed is a biocide concentrate composition to be incorporated into oil-based formulations useful for the treatment and preservation of wood. Also disclosed are oil-based biocide compositions and creosote based biocide compositions.