Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Khademibami, Laya

Committee Member

Shmulsky, Rubin

Committee Member

Stokes, Elizabeth C.

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Sustainable Bioproducts

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

College of Forest Resources

Abstract

Increasing concerns about human health and the environment have led to raised demand for eco-friendly wood preservatives. Guayule resin, extracted from Parthenium argentatum plant contains insecticidal and antifungal compounds making it a promising natural wood preservative. This study evaluated suitable carrier system for guayule resin, as well as leaching rate and termite resistance of treated yellow poplar and southern pine specimens. Wood specimens were treated with different concentrations of guayule in acetone, toluene, and ethyl acetate using vacuum impregnation. The leaching behavior and termite resistance of the treated specimens were assessed according to the AWPA Standard E11-16 and AWPA Standard E1-23 respectively. The results revealed that yellow poplar exhibited a higher leaching rate than southern pine; however, yellow poplar demonstrated greater resistance to termite attacks. The optimal treatment was 5% concentration of guayule in toluene as solvent. The results suggest that guayule could serve as a promising eco-friendly wood preservative.

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