Interlaboratory determination of boron compounds in preservative treated timber

• Published in: Analytica chimica acta 1990, Vol.236 (2), p.423-430
• Main Authors: Dawson, Bernard S.W., Parker, Glenda F., Cowan, Faye J., Croucher, May C., Hong, Sung O., Cummins, Nigel H.O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Boron preservatives; Collaborative studies; Degradation and preservation; Exact sciences and technology; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Quality control; Statistical analysis; Wood; Wood. Paper. Non wovens
• ISSN: 0003-2670; 1873-4324
• DOI: 10.1016/S0003-2670(00)83343-7

Accurate analysis for preservatives in treated timber is an integral part of quality assurance in the New Zealand timber preservation industry. The continued high volume use of boron-treated timber has highlighted the requirement for reliable methods to determine boron-containing preservatives in timber. Several aspects of a leaching-titration method are discussed in an effort to validate and standardize laboratory analysis of samples for the timber preservation industry. Steam volatility was found not to be a problem. The limit of detection was 0.007% (w/w) H 3BO 3 and the relative standard deviation of 50 replicate analyses was 2.2%. Statistical outliers and stragglers were identified by Cochran's test. The precision data (repeatability and reproducibility) from an interlaboratory determination of boric acid in timber were 0.0133–0.0273 and 0.0194–0.0535% H 3BO 3, respectively, over six concentration levels. Recommendations for maintaining active quality assurance programmes are made.