FORMULATION OF A WOOD PRESERVATIVE FROM DIRTY ENGINE OIL

This study explores the formulation of a wood preservative using waste engine oil as a source of naphthenic acid for synthesizing copper naphthenate. Copper naphthenate is a well-established wood preservative, known for its efficacy against decay fungi, termites, and other wood-destroying organisms. Traditionally, copper naphthenate is synthesized from refined naphthenic acid, a byproduct of petroleum refining. However, limited research has investigated the use of waste engine oil, a readily available and economically feasible alternative, in copper naphthenate production. This study presents a novel approach to repurpose waste engine oil, thereby offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution that addresses waste management challenges in the petroleum industry. The research involved extracting naphthenic acid from waste engine oil through a chemical process using sodium bicarbonate and hydrochloric acid. The extracted acid was then reacted with copper sulfate via a double decomposition method to form copper naphthenate, which was emulsified in diesel fuel to create a wood treatment solution. The resulting formulation was applied to wood samples and assessed over a four-month field trial for its resistance to decay, mold, and termite infestation. Untreated control samples exhibited significant degradation, while treated wood samples demonstrated excellent durability and protection against microbial and insect damage. Analytical techniques, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, were used to confirm the composition and purity of the synthesized naphthenic acid. The findings underscore the environmental and economic benefits of utilizing waste engine oil for industrial applications. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of used engine oil disposal but also provides a low-cost, locally sourced alternative to imported wood preservatives. The study confirms that copper naphthenate synthesized from waste engine oil performs effectively as a wood preservative, meeting industry standards for durability and protection. By contributing to the development of sustainable materials and recycling practices, this work has significant implications for wood preservation industries and supports broader environmental sustainability goals.