ObjectiveNeem(Melia azedarach)is a natural material with excellent antifungal effect, which can not only prevent the wood from decay but also keep the environment unpolluted. In order to research the curing rule with temperature and antibacterial properties, active components extracted from neem seeds were used to prepare microcapsules preservatives.

MethodFirst, preformulations of microcapsules preservatives were prepared for easy access to wood. Then, the microcapsule conditions under different temperature controls were compared through temperature-programmed route. Their antifungal properties against Gloeophyllum trabeum were analyzed by tests. The mass loss rate of Pinus sylvestris was measured to characterize the decay resistance after the wood was treated by Gloeophyllum trabeum for 12 weeks. By SEM images of Populus ussuriensis wood through different temperature-programmed routes (40, 50, 60, 70, 80 ℃), we analyzed the curing rules in wood.

ResultMicrocapsule structure was formed in the lumen of Pinus sylvestris through the temperature-programmed route of 80 ℃. After the treatments of Gloeophyllum trabeum for 12 weeks, the mass loss rate of untreated wood was 21.05%. The mass loss rate of Pinus sylvestris wood treated with neem seed extracts was 10.96%, which reached the standard of decay resistance. The mass loss rate of Pinus sylvestris wood treated with MUF was 29.23%, and that of Pinus sylvestris wood treated with microcapsule preservative prepared from neem extracts was 6.01%, which reached a strong decay resistance.

ConclusionWith the temperature increasing, the microcapsule particles became smaller, distributed more evenly and tightly in the cell wall. Microcapsules preservatives prepared from neem extracts reached a strong decay resistance, which means that the preservative performs a better and lasting antifungal effect.