Abstract

Surface treatment by dipping rubberwood particleboards in a solution of essential oil (cinnamon oil or clove oil to achieve concentrations of up to 0.63 %) to protect against molds (Aspergillus sp., and Trichothecium sp.) was investigated. GC–MS analysis was employed to investigate essential oil constituents left in the surface layer of particleboards for up to 12 weeks after the treatment. Effect of the treatment on some important physical and mechanical properties of particleboards was also examined. Dip treatment in cinnamon oil and clove oil at a concentration of 0.63 % was capable of providing complete protection for at least 8 and 5 weeks, respectively, against growth of the test molds on particleboards at 25 °C and 100 % RH. Treatment had no significant effect on physical and mechanical properties of the particleboards. Contents of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol in the particleboards, the main antifungal agents in cinnamon oil and clove oil, respectively, largely declined within the first 4 weeks of incubation. Reducing losses of these antifungal agents could further prolong antifungal performance of the particleboards.