Investigation of Decay Resistance of Poplar Plywood with Encapsulated Pesticides

Borons and copper-based compounds are compounds used as pesticides and fungicides. One of the main problems of these compounds is that they easily be washed. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to stabilize and reduce the leaching of protective materials using the encapsulation method. The encapsulation method of pesticides (boric acid and Bordeaux) was performed by natural chitosan polymer via electrospinning method and the compounds were used to treat poplar wood layers and make plywood. To evaluate the performance of the final product, physical tests (density, thickness swelling and water absorption), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fungal tests were performed. The results showed that despite the low load of boric acid and pesticide, the performance of the layers was effective against fungal degradation. However, after severe leaching, their performance was reduced. The layers treated with the encapsulated pesticides retain their function as a pesticide against the fungus after washing. In general, the results showed that the technique of encapsulating pesticides can significantly reduce their leaching and on the other hand leads to maintain the function of pesticides.