Assessment of the Impact of Boron Treatment by Impregnation Method on Finger-Jointed Pine (Pinus caribaea) Wood

Wood is a leading environmentally friendly construction material due to its renewability, carbon sequestration, and energy-efficient production. Sourced sustainably, it has a lower carbon footprint than concrete and steel while offering natural insulation for energy-efficient buildings. Wood stores as much as 15 times CO2 released during its manufacture whereas aluminum and steel store negligible amounts. Finger joint is a sustainable technique used to ensure sustainable utilization of small pieces of wood removed as waste. Chemical protection of wood is performed with preservatives, such as insecticides, fungicides and UV protective finishes that are used for wooden materials. Softwood species are highly susceptible to deterioration caused by wood-destroying agents such as fungi, insects, and moisture. Without proper protection, their structural integrity and lifespan can be significantly reduced. Therefore, preservation treatments are essential to enhance durability, improve resistance to decay, and extend the usability of softwood in various applications. The objective of this study has been to evaluate the impact of boron treatment for finger-jointed pine wood samples on enhancing the durability of pine wood planks. Samples of pine wood with 19 mm-long fingers have been used for this study. Average tensile strength values of treated and untreated finger-jointed pine wood samples are higher than the recommended minimum requirement of tensile strength value (≥10 N/mm2). Failure modes of treated and untreated finger-jointed pine wood samples have also been described. Boron-treated, finger-jointed pine wood planks with 19 mm-long fingers offer improved durability and resistance to decay, making them well-suited for industrial applications. The treatment enhances the wood’s structural integrity, extending its lifespan and performance in demanding environments.