X Ray Based Laboratory Testing Methodology for Panel Products against Termite Resistance

A host of new eco- friendly preservatives and treatments for protection of panel products are being developed. Engineered wood products require extra caution while testing with termites, due to high moisture conditions during field tests, a composite panel may subject to delamination making it difficult for a proper rating and determination of damage due to termite activity. This work focuses on development of a laboratory testing method for plywood and blockboard resistance against termite species Heterotermes indicola and Coptotermes heimi. The termite species preferability test was done in order to find out the most palletable wood species. Pinus sp and Mangifera sp. were found to be the most palletable wood species and were taken as control. Determination of maximum vigorous activity of both the termite species were done by monitoring wood consumption and survival, and it was found that Heterotermes indicola showed highest survival at population density of 0.004 g/ml, whereas Coptotermes heimi showed highest survival at population density of 0.0008 g/ml. A non-destructive and quantitative approach of X-Ray analysis was adopted for result evaluation for more quantifiable result than traditional visual observation. Based upon the results obtained, a termite testing methodology was developed for wood based panel products such as plywood and block board.