Inter-laboratory determination of bis(tributyltin) oxide in timber and timber-treatment solutions

Abstract

Accurate analysis of timber preservatives in timber-treatment solutions and in treated timber is an essential aspect of quality control in the New Zealand wood preservation industry. The increasing use of light organic solvent preservatives in recent years has drawn attention to the need for dependable methods for the determination of bis(tributyltin) oxide (TBTO). As part of an on-going programme of timber preservative analyses at the Forest Research Institute the determination of TBTO was studied in detail by an inter-laboratory comparison between six laboratories. Significant differences between laboratories were found in the determination of TBTO (or tin) in timber preservative treatment solutions and preservative-treated timber. To rectify this situation, recommendations on the necessity to intensify quality assurance programmes are suggested.