Process for fixing wooden articles pressure treated with chromated-copper-arsenate

Abstract From the Canadian patent

This invention is directed to a process for accelerating the fixation of chromated-copper-arsenate (CCA) preservative in wooden articles. The invention particularly pertains to a process of fixing CCA in softwoods such as lodgepole pine, so that it does not leach. A process of fixing chromated-preservatives in freshly treated wood by applying moderate heat to the treated wood while initially maintaining the treated wood in a highly humid or saturated atmosphere and, subsequently maintaining the atmosphere about the freshly treated wood at a controlled equilibrium moisture content level.