Sem X-Ray Microanalysis of Tracheid Cell Walls in Southern Yellow Pine Sapwood Treated with Water-Dispersible Pentachlorophenol

Water-based formulations of pentachlorophenol are an appealing alternative to oil-borne formulations. Their effectiveness is still being evaluated. This study was conducted to determine whether levels of water-dispersible pentachlorophenol in tracheid cell walls increase in proportion to increases in gross retention. Proportionate increases occurred in the S3 layer between gross retentions of 0.18 and 0.84 pcf (2.9 and 13.4 kg/m3). Increases of pentachlorophenol in the compound middle lamella at cell corners or in the S2 were not proportional to increases in gross retention above 0.43 pcf (6.9 kg/m3). More pentachlorophenol was detected in the earlywood than in the latewood at all retentions. The P/B ratios for pentachlorophenol in earlywood, but not in latewood, are proportional to gross retention