Abstract:
This invention describes methods for the preparation of aqueous solutions of ammonium pentaborate by reacting alkaline earth tetraborates in water with selected mineral acids followed by the addition of ammonia or ammonium hydroxide. These methods dramatically reduces the amount of residual ammonia as compared to earlier teachings that depended on the use of the di-ammonium salts of mineral acids. The resultant solutions contain by design little or no residual ammonia making the compositions compatible with binding resins used in the manufacture of wood composites. The so prepared solutions can be used to treat wood and wood products, as well as wood particles, chips or strands and wood laminates imparting the properties of fire retardancy and resistance to attack by wood eating and or destroying insects.