Summary

The structure of copper complexes in copper amine treated wood samples were elucidated by the application of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). EPR axial spectra were observed for all Cu-amine treated samples irrespective of the formulations. The values of A_∥ and g_∥ of the axial spectra indicate that the stereo-structure of copper complexes in copper amine treated wood was either tetragonal-based octahedral or square-based pyramidal. Comparison of electronic parameters of A_∥ and g_∥ in Cu-amine treated wood with those of the Cu-amine treating solution and the values in literature suggests that the interaction of wood with copper amine is through complexation in which wood functional groups are complexed with copper amine perpendicularly. The copper complexes in both treating solution and treated wood are in the form of CuN2O2, where copper is ligated with 2 nitrogen and 2 oxygen.