Effect of moisture content on the sterilization of wood, under vacuum, by propylene and ethylene oxides

摘要

Ethylene and propylene oxides were used, separately in a previously evacuated system, to disinfect heavily contaminated spruce blocks that had been conditioned to various moisture contents. Ethylene oxide (70 by volume), used on wood with a moisture content between 10 and 50 for a time in excess of 3 hours, was the most effective treatment. Wood with a moisture content of less than 10 was difficult to disinfect with either gas, whereas wood of a moisture content greater than 50 was somewhat less difficult. Bacteria were more resistant than fungi to sterilization with either gas, and it was indicated that Ascomycetes were more resistant to propylene oxide sterilization than were Basidiomycetes.