Why is Chromated Copper Arsenate XK-CCA Wood Preservative good at resisting insects?

Chromated Copper Arsenate (XK-CCA) wood preservative is a chemical product widely used for outdoor wood protection and is prized for its good insect-resistant properties. By combining ingredients such as chromium, copper and arsenic, XK-CCA effectively protects against a wide range of wood pests, especially termites, fungi and other insects.

1. Role of active ingredients
The active ingredients of XK-CCA mainly include chromium, copper and arsenic, each of which has its own unique role in insect resistance.
Arsenic: Arsenic is a widely used wood preservative ingredient that has a significant poisonous effect on a variety of insects. It causes death by damaging the physiological functions and metabolic processes of insects. Arsenic can effectively fight against wood pests such as termites, because termites attack wood mainly by digesting the cellulose in the wood, and the presence of arsenic will interfere with their digestive process and prevent them from eating normally.
Copper: Copper’s insecticidal effect is also significant, especially its ability to inhibit mold and fungi. Copper can damage cell membranes, causing water loss from the insect's body, leading to dehydration and death. In addition, copper’s antimicrobial properties can also reduce the risk of microbial growth on the surface of the wood, which can reduce the chance of insect invasion due to a rich food source.
Chromium: The main function of chromium is to act as a chemical fixative, making wood more resistant to the outside environment. It prevents other ingredients in the preservative from breaking down due to environmental factors, ensuring its longevity. In addition, the antioxidant properties of chromium make the wood less susceptible to the effects of light and moisture, thereby indirectly improving the insect resistance of the wood.

2. Influence of treatment process
The anti-insect effect of XK-CCA wood preservative depends on its composition and is also closely related to the treatment process. During the preservative process, the wood is pressure treated to inject the XK-CCA solution into the wood fibers, allowing the preservative to penetrate deeply. This treatment method ensures that the preservative is evenly distributed inside the wood, making it difficult for pests to escape its poison.
Through pressure treatment, the preservative is better able to bond with the internal structure of the wood, creating an effective protective barrier that reduces the risk of insect intrusion. In addition, deep treatment can also reduce the exposure of the wood surface to insects, thereby effectively improving insect resistance.

3. Application environment and effects
The insect-resistant properties of XK-CCA wood preservative work well in a variety of environments, especially in humid, warm climates that are often breeding grounds for insects. Because XK-CCA can effectively protect wood in extreme climates, it is often used in bridges, fences, docks and other outdoor structures to ensure that they are protected from pests for a long time.
The durability of XK-CCA means that its effects remain evident after use, with many treated woods retaining their insect-resistant properties for decades. This durability reduces maintenance costs and reduces the frequency of wood replacement, bringing economic benefits to users.

4. Environmental and safety considerations
Although XK-CCA wood preservative has good insect-resistant properties, the arsenic in its ingredients has raised some environmental and health concerns. Long-term exposure to arsenic may have negative effects on the human body, so relevant safety standards and regulations should be followed when using it. Many countries have restricted the use of arsenic-containing wood, especially in children's playgrounds, schools and other places.
In response to this problem, many manufacturers have begun developing alternative preservatives, such as arsenic-free and more environmentally friendly preservatives, to ensure that the insect-resistant properties of wood are balanced with environmental safety.