Method for using neem extracts and derivatives for protecting wood and other cellulosic composites

Abstract

Disclosed are novel methods for a protecting or preserving wood, wood composites and other cellulosic materials, and in addition, disrupting the feeding behavior and growth cycle of termites, wood-borers and other insects, by applying certain compositions thereto which contain azadirachtin carried in neem tree extracts. Disclosed are novel neem extract compositions for coating, penetrating, treating, and curing said cellulosic materials which are non-toxic and provide long active lifetimes. The compositions contain the neem extracts in combination with binding and bittering agents which enhance the effectiveness of the extracts. The compositions are made from natural, active ingredients and are water resistant. The compositions are found to be non-reactive and non-toxic to vertebrates and non-polluting of surrounding soils. When used as intended in non-aerobic applications, the compositions are resistant to oxidation and ozonation. In addition, when used as intended in areas without sunlight, i.e. subterranean or concealed use, the compositions are not subject to UV and photo degradation.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of treatment for protecting and preserving cellulosic materials comprising: 
 a) providing a cellulosic material substrate substantially free of azadirachtin;    b) treating the celluslosic material substrate by applying a composition comprising azadirachtin carried in a neem plant material extract such that a minimal portion of the composition is absorbed into the cellulosic material substrate; and    c) curing the treated cellulosic material substrate.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the neem plant material extract is neem seed oil.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein the neem seed oil is used in an amount ranging from 3% to 40% by weight of the composition.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the neem plant material extract is neem leaf paste.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4  wherein the neem leaf paste is used in an amount ranging from 10% to 25% by weight of the composition.  
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein the neem leaf paste particle size distribution is in the range of approximately 10 microns to 1 millimeter.  
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the treated celluslosic material substrate is cured by drying and binding the composition to the cellulosic substrate under ambient temperature and pressure.  
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the treated celluslosic material substrate is cured by dry-autoclaving.  
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the cellulosic material substrate is lumber.  
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of caulk, paint, stain, sealant, paste and glue.  
     
     
         11 . A method of treatment for protecting and preserving lumber comprising: 
 a) providing a lumber substrate substantially free of azadirachtin;    b) treating the lumber substrate by applying a composition comprising azadirachtin carried in a neem plant material extract such that a minimal portion of the composition is absorbed into the lumber substrate and coating the exposed surface to be protected wherein the neem plant material extract is selected from the group consisting of neem seed oil and neem leaf paste; and    c) curing the treated lumber substrate.    
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11  wherein the neem seed oil is used in an amount ranging from 3% to 40% by weight of the composition and the neem leaf paste is used in an amount ranging from 10% to 25% by weight of the composition.  
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12  wherein the neem leaf paste particle size distribution is in the range of approximately 10 microns to 1 millimeter.  
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 11  wherein the treated lumber substrate is cured by drying the composition under ambient temperature and pressure.  
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 11  wherein the treated lumber substrate is cured by dry-autoclaving.  
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 11  wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of caulk, paint, stain, sealant, paste and glue.  
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 11  wherein the composition further comprises a lignin compound, in addition to that already present in the neem plant material extract in nature, in an amount ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the composition.  
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17  wherein the lignin compound is selected from the group consisting of Lignin, Lignin Sulfonic Acid, Lignin Sulfate, and Lignin Oil.  
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 11  wherein the composition further comprises a tannin compound, in addition to that already present in the neem plant material extract in nature, in an amount ranging from 3% to 8% by weight of the composition.  
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19  wherein the tannin compound is selected from the group consisting of Catechol Tannin and Catechol Tannin complex butyl.  
     
     
         21 . A composition for protecting and preserving lumber where the lumber is substantially free of azadirachtin comprising: 
 a) a neem plant material extract; and    b) a binding agent selected from the group consisting of lignin and tannin, in addition to that already present in the neem plant material extract.    
     
     
         22 . The composition according to  claim 21  wherein the neem plant material extract is neem seed oil.  
     
     
         23 . The composition according to  claim 22  wherein the neem seed oil is used in an amount ranging from 3% to 40% by weight of the composition.  
     
     
         24 . The composition according to  claim 21  wherein the neem plant material extract is neem leaf paste.  
     
     
         25 . The composition according to  claim 24  wherein the neem leaf paste is used in an amount ranging from 10% to 25% by weight of the composition.  
     
     
         26 . The composition according to  claim 25  wherein the neem leaf paste particle size distribution is in the range of approximately 10 microns to 1 millimeter.  
     
     
         27 . The composition according to  claim 21  wherein the binding agent is a lignin compound in an amount ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the composition, in addition to that already present in the neem plant material extract in nature.  
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 27  wherein the lignin compound is selected from the group consisting of Lignin, Lignin Sulfonic Acid, Lignin Sulfate, and Lignin Oil.  
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 21  wherein the binding agent is a tannin compound in an amount ranging from 3% to 8% by weight of the composition, in addition to that already present in the neem plant material extract in nature.  
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 29  wherein the tannin compound is selected from the group consisting of Catechol Tannin and Catechol Tannin complex butyl.  
     
     
         31 . A composition for protecting and preserving lumber where the lumber is substantially free of azadirachtin comprising: 
 a) a neem plant material extract; and    b) a lignin binding agent in an amount ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the composition, in addition to that already present in the neem plant material extract in nature.    
     
     
         32 . A composition for protecting and preserving lumber where the lumber is substantially free of azadirachtin comprising: 
 a) a neem plant material extract; and    b) a tannin binding agent in an amount ranging from 3% to 8% by weight of the composition, in addition to that already present in the neem plant material extract in nature.