Effect of glycol on movement of borate from fused borate rods

The effects of glycol compounds on borate distribution (as sodium borates) were investigated using Douglas-fir heartwood blocks conditioned to 30 or 60 percent moisture content (MC). Glycol had relatively small effects on borate diffusion at 15 or 60 percent MC. Borate diffusion was nearly always complete at the higher MC, largely negating the need for glycol. Glycol effects at 15 percent MC were similar to those found with the addition of comparable levels of water. The effect of glycol was most pronounced at 30 percent MC, although the results did not differ markedly from those with water addition. The results suggest that, while glycol can produce a slight enhancement in borate diffusion, the added costs probably do not justify the use of this compound in place of water as a medium for enhanced diffusion.