US Patent 7264886 Water repellent compositions for wood preservatives

Water-based wax emulsions, optionally for use in conjunction with alkaline copper and/or quaternary ammonium based preservatives systems, are described. These emulsions are comprised of natural or synthetic wax, nonionic surfactants having HL B values greater than 11, anionic surfactants, and water. Certain emulsion compositions as described in this specification posses the unique property of maintaining emulsion stability in wood preservatives during extended use in typical wood treatment processes. Water-repellant wood treated with the wax emulsions are described. A method of treating wood, comprising providing wood and treating the wood with the wax emulsion under conditions effective to increase its water repellency is also disclosed.