Copper naphthenate - protecting America’s infrastructure for over 100 years and its potential for expanded use in Canada and Europe

ABSTRACT

This paper reviews the history and use of copper naphthenate as a heavy-duty wood preservative, with a focus on use patterns within the USA and opportunities for expansion in Canada and Europe. Copper naphthenate has demonstrated efficacy to preserve and protect cellulosic and wooden items essential to critical infrastructure and is an ideal choice for use in the replacement of pentachlorophenol and creosote where less toxic and environmentally friendlier alternatives are required.

KEYWORDS:

• Efficacy
• naphthenic acid
• oil-soluble
• Poles
• preservative
• sleepers
• ties
• wood protection
• infrastructure

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.