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The Secret of the Romans: How Did They Use Tar to Protect the Timber of Their Ships?
Wood is prone to deterioration without proper protection. Historically, various chemical preservatives and treatments (often called wood treatments or pressure treatments) have been used to extend the life of wood and related products, including engineered wood. These methods not only improve the durability of the wood but also effectively prevent damage by insects or fungi. Next, we'll delve into how the Romans used tar to preserve the wood of their ships, thus continuing their masterful shipbuilding skills.
Exploration of ancient anti-corrosion technology
As early as the reign of Alexander the Great, ancient Greek records indicate that bridge timbers were soaked in olive oil to protect them from weathering. As history evolved, the Romans discovered that tar was a more effective wood protector. They used tar to coat the ship's wood to prevent corrosion in the marine environment.
The Romans viewed tar as an important resource for protecting wood, a technique that allowed their ships to withstand the harsh waters.
How to use tar and its effects
Tar is a black substance produced by high-temperature, oxygen-free combustion of wood, coal or other organic materials. The Romans used its product on the bottoms and exteriors of ships, creating a waterproof protective film. This not only prevents the wood from absorbing moisture, but also blocks fungal and insect attack.
Reforms in wood protection after the industrial revolution
With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, wood protection technology has advanced significantly. Many scientists and inventors, such as Bessel, Bouchery, Bernat, etc., developed more advanced preservatives and treatment methods. In the second half of the 19th century, the commercialization of pressure treatment technology emerged, especially the use of cleosin for the protection of railway track bed wood.
Facing the rising demand for wood, advances in modern wood processing technology have expanded its application scope from traditional ship and building materials to residential and garden construction.
The risks and future of preservatives
While modern treatment techniques have effectively extended the life of wood, the attendant health risks have prompted changes in the industry. On December 31, 2003, the U.S. wood treatment industry stopped using preservatives containing arsenic and chromium (such as Chromated Copper Arsenate, CCA).
With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the growing interest in non-toxic materials, many consumers have begun to choose to use safer processing materials such as microwave copper and borate, which not only reduces potential harm to health, but also affects the environment. The impact is also smaller.
Today’s wood treatment technology
Modern wood protection technologies come in many different types, primarily including water-soluble preservatives, oil-soluble preservatives and light organic solvent preservatives. In particular, the introduction of particulate copper preservative technology allows copper to be suspended in water in the form of particles instead of dissolved as before. This technology has been widely used in the United States and Europe.
The longevity of trees is not only a reflection of nature, but also the result of the continuous progress of human wisdom.
Faced with increasing environmental standards and consumer requirements, the wood industry must pay more attention to the balance between the development of anti-corrosion technology and the environment. In this case, how do you think we can use ancient wisdom and modern technology to revolutionize the future of wood conservation again?
