The Weird Wood Matter

As a well known materials testing laboratory in Ireland, we are often called upon to investigate all kinds of technical matters surrounding both solid and composite wood. In many cases, our investigations concern wood which as been painted or glued, or wood which has been treated with wood preservatives or other types of functional chemicals.

Some time ago, a client contacted us to say that white streaks were appearing on the internal surface of orientated strand board (OSB) which had been used in the construction of a ceiling of a timber frame building. Our laboratory was told that the white streaks were appearing on the interior visible surface of the ceiling and it was suggested that heat was linked to the occurrence of the white streaks. Luckily for our laboratory, it was a new build and lying around were many scraps of left over OSB, which also showed the same white streaking.

In this case, our rapid analysis of the samples and the provision of a scientifically validated Technical Report, allowed our client to understand the occurrence and liaise closely with the OSB manufacturer on a technically equal footing.

The client sent samples of the OSB to our laboratory and upon examination, we could see that the white streaks had an element of a ‘linear pattern’, as they appeared to run in three almost equidistant parallel lines. By placing an adhesive carbon tab upon the white streaks, we were able to remove a sample of the residue and subject it to Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Analysis showed that the residues were primarily composed of phosphates and nitrates and given this, we advised that the powder on the surface of the OSB was most likely due to the flame retardant residues leaching from the surface of the OSB.

Within ten days of receiving the samples from the client, by way of our Technical Report, we were able to advise our client of our findings and suggested that they further liaise with their Nordic manufacturer of the OSB. Several weeks later we learned that a thermocouple on the OSB manufacturer production line, was found to be defective, thus leading to some temperature spikes on their line. This explained the almost linear pattern of residue on the surface of the boards.

In this case, our rapid analysis of the samples and the provision of a scientifically validated Technical Report, allowed our client to understand the occurrence and liaise closely with the OSB manufacturer on a technically equal footing. Our work in materials analysis goes much further than the analysis itself, from start to finish, we work very closely with our clients and render them the technical support to better understand the matter at heart. Contact us today with your Weird Wood Matter!