Controlled permeation process for fireproofing wood

Abstract

Fireproofing of wood and the variety of hardwoods typically utilized in the manufacture of furniture is provided by a process of controlled permeation of a solution composed of a combination of a halide salt of a Group I or Group II metal of the Periodic Table of Elements and an ammonium salt which upon impregnation precipitates in the cellular structure of the treated wood. Controlled permeation of furniture wood to a depth of about 1/8 of an inch to 3 inches is provided by evacuating and expanding the cellular structure of the wood by utilizing a vacuum chamber, or a heat chamber for heating the wood to temperatures of about 220.degree. F. or a combination thereof to activate the surface and a portion of the subsurface of the cellular structure of the wood for absorption and adsorption of the solution of fire retardant compounds providing a controlled impregnation of the furniture hardwood. Fire retardant compounds drawn into the surface and subsurface structure of the wood may then be sealed into the furniture wood by utilizing traditional furniture finishing procedures.