Summary
• MicroPro uses micronised copper preservatives introduced into the wood as a solid particle.
• Micronised pigments will be used to give a more “consistent colour and a longer lifespan”.
• Adapted from American technology, MicroPro treated products will be marketed as a premium product in Europe.
A new preservative technology, launched last year in North America, is set to enhance the premium, value-added timber products market in Europe, according to timber preservatives manufacturer Osmose.
Known as MicroPro, the technology is engineered to allow preservatives to be formulated with solid sub-micron particles, with Osmose set to market a micronised copper preservative system in Europe.
It is the process of micronising, producing “sub-micron particles”, that sets MicroPro technology apart from other products, according to Osmose European marketing director Andy Hodge.
The initial MicroPro technology-based products will treat timber with micronised copper preservatives that introduce copper into the wood in a solid particle form suspended in a water-based solution. This provides a number of benefits to MicroPro technology treated products that other treatment processes are unable to match, said Mr Hodge, including a “lighter, brighter more natural looking material” with the opportunity to develop “enhanced colouring systems”.
“It is revolutionary,” said Mr Hodge. “It gives a more natural, modern look to timber with a consistent colour.”
Colour pigments
Colour is a particularly important area in the development of MicroPro, with Osmose planning to use micronised pigments, to be marketed as MicroShades, instead of dyes to colour MicroPro-treated products to further enhance the quality of the material for end users.
“Dyes were developed initially to treat sawn material,” said Mr Hodge. “It is well known that pigments will perform better on smoother surfaces.
“Micronised pigments provide a more consistent colour and a longer lifespan for timber products. They will allow customers to explore premium colour options for higher end markets such as quality timber decking.”
Introducing the MicroPro treatment process to Europe has thrown up its own unique issues, with Osmose having to adapt the technology to suit less-permeable European timber species.
As such, said Mr Hodge, the extra cost needed to manufacture MicroPro for European species means the range will be launched as a “premium product offering further opportunities to develop value-added products”.
“Our philosophy at Osmose is to work with our customers to create new added-value opportunities,” said Mr Hodge.
Commercial trials
Osmose is carrying out commercial trials of the treatment with several companies, and the first customers are set to receive MicroPro products in spring next year.
Osmose is also working on developing the European market for its FirePro internal fire retardant product, as well as being in discussions to commercialise timber sections hardened with its Indurite technology, which it says could provide a “cost-effective and available modified wood product for the joinery, moulding and flooring market”.
The company is also working with the timber industry and trade associations to develop its Protim IGuard and Protim FrameGuard range of products; Protim IGuard designed to protect engineered wood products such as I-joists and I-studs and Protim FrameGuard designed to give short-term spread of flame performance to framing timbers as part of a fire prevention strategy during construction.
“We’re now working with industry to address its future needs and are creating new options for timber to compete against other materials,” said Mr Hodge.
