EXPLORING OTHER USES OF HARTINDO AF21 FLAME RETARDANT MATERIAL FOR BUILDING STRUCTURE PROTECTION AGAINST SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of Hartindo AF21 as a wood preservative against subterranean termites, specifically Coptotermes curvignathus Homgren (Rhinotermitidae) in Malaysian conditions. The aim was to examine the performance of Hartindo AF21 in preventing termite attacks on Koompassia malaccensis and Hevea brasiliensis. The tests involved using various concentrations of Hartindo AF21 in both single choice (no-choice) (ASTM D3345) and aboveground (IHM/WEL/1) scenarios. The findings from the laboratory and above-ground tests revealed that concentrations of Hartindo AF21 above 20% created a sufficient chemical barrier or resulted in high mortality rates for C. curvignathus after 15 days. Additionally, both wood species treated with Hartindo AF21 displayed typical repellent wood preservative behavior, with reduced feeding and mass loss as the concentr ation of preservative increased.