TimberSIL® Facts
The TimberSIL® Process – is a polymerization of sodium silicate (sand) into amorphous glass. Flexible ribbon-like layers of glass are infused into and around the wood fibers, forming a second structural ‘skeletal’ matrix inside the wood, increasing the strength, dimensional stability, and overall performance of wood. Essentially, two well known materials are combined -- wood and glass. The wood fibers remain intact and are encapsulated with micro layers of glass which strengthens the wood and prevents water intrusions, rot and decay. The TimberSIL® Process lasts as long as glass, because that’s what it is.
TimberSIL® Does NOT increase future CO2 emissions, it REDUCES them! - As TimberSIL® moves through its use cycles, it does NOT gradually breakdown and does NOT return carbon dioxide to the environment. The permanent sequestration continues. The carbon in other wood, plastics and composite products breaks down within a few years at the end of its life cycle, and the ENTIRE material converts to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This is the reason that there is such an urgent need to reduce greenhouse emissions right now. It is not only the current emissions levels that causes concern, but also the unavoidable 10, 20, and 50 year increases that those numbers will grow to, causing catastrophic global effects - the greatest concern.
TimberSIL® Eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOC) - Volatile Organic Compounds are virtually everywhere. Every Penta, CCA or other treated cross arm and composite materials contain unreacted raw materials, solvents, partial reaction products, catalysts, and additives such as phthalate esters; all of them VOCs. These components continuously release to the air throughout the lifetime of the products. VOCs can rapidly enter the body where they interfere with enzyme function, reduce ability to fight infection, and trigger immune system attacks on the body.
TimberSIL® is VOC-Free by design - Our silicate-based starting formula is entirely mineral based, so there is no possibility that even one VOC molecule is produced. This is extremely important since in today’s environment, most individuals have VOC-triggered immune responses to some degree, and underlying disease responses that can be triggered at extremely low levels of VOCs. The best protection for health, is the elimination of VOCs from indoor air entirely, and TimberSIL® can help move toward this goal. TimberSIL® is proud of its mineral based, VOC-free process which eliminates all VOC’s at the moleculer level.
TimberSIL® is Sustainable – TimberSIL® is extremely long lasting. The amorphous glass in TimberSIL® imparts the extraordinary long life of glass to wood, as it surrounds and encases the fibers, inside and out; forming a protective glassy barrier that keeps organisms and air away from wood.
TimberSIL® is Process is 'Self Sufficient' using a waste product - The entire process to infuse wood with TimberSIL® is a self-sustaining processes. The company uses only recycled wood and rice hulls, which are the once-useless shells of rice grains out of which the engineers at TimberSIL® have figured out how to make sodium silicone. The process produces such extreme heat that sufficient energy is generated to run the whole factory. TimberSIL®’s production could not be more efficient.
TimberSIL® is Safe when cut or sawn - There are two types of glass: Crystalline silica, which is extremely harmful if broken or inhaled. This is the glass contained in fiber cement and fiberglass. It can break ( when cut or machined ) into tiny shards or fibers that embed themselves permanently into lungs and skin. Amorphous silica is the other type of glass, and its health implications are the direct opposite of its dangerous counterpart; when broken down it flakes into nontoxic dust that is safer to inhale than sawdust. Amorphous silica comprises TimberSIL®.
Many reuses, many recycles One purchase of TimberSIL® Products replaces many CO2 emitting products throughout its long life. TimberSIL® can proceed through multiple applications, as it is reused through multiple cycles in increasingly smaller pieces. There is no known end to the useful life of TimberSIL®. The Life is as long as glass.