Hydrogels obtained from an original catanionic system for efficient formulation of boron wood-preservatives

Abstract A new catanionic system associating amphiphilic carnosine (βAlaHisC8) and lauric acid forms supramolecular hydrogel at a very low concentration. This gel was investigated and we checked the validity of the concept of hydrogel utilization to reduce boron leachability and to develop new wood protection treatments. Impregnation with 5% aqueous borax solution (w/w) and 0.3% gelator agent (w/w) fosters improvement in the resistance of Scots pine sapwood subjected to water leaching toward the brown-rot fungus Poria placenta , while samples treated with 5% aqueous borax solution were partially degraded by the fungus. These results clearly indicate the effectiveness of hydrogel to retain boron in wood.