Pratteln, Switzerland, 30 May 2022 - Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, introduces a Siligen® MIH liq, a new biocide-free wood protection technology developed together with the University of Goettingen, Germany.

Being a natural raw material, wood evolves over time, and that's what makes it so unique and beautiful. At the same time, it is a precious, sustainable and carbon-storing resource that should not be wasted. Wood is especially sensitive to climate conditions, in particular moisture, as well as fungi, termites and marine organisms. Over time, these can alter the wood strength, stability and durability. Most treatments used to protect wood are based on biocides and can contain potentially toxic substances such as heavy metals.

Archroma and the University of Goettingen, Germany therefore decided to explore a solution to extend the life duration of outdoor wood materials, but also their appearance.

The result: Siligen® MIH liq, a non-biocidal wood modification treatment to create more stable and durable solid woods, veneers and wood-based composites for applications such as windows, facade claddings, outdoor furniture, terrace decking, in-ground platforms, parquet flooring and marine applications.

It is applied by impregnation and subsequent drying. Siligen® MIH liq impregnated wood can be dried and the molecules fixated at < 80 °C with an equipment already available at most production facilities applying conventional biocides. The energy consumption is thus similar to most aqueous biocidal wood preservative treatments.

Wood treated with Siligen® MIH liq shows excellent protection against decay fungi. Treated wood displays improved weathering performance and keeps its natural appearance with less discolorations and change in feel.

Siligen® MIH liq will be introduced at the Annual Conference of the International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG WP) IRG53 conference in Slovenia taking place on 29 May to 2 June, 2022 in Bled, Slovenia.