STAIN FUNGI CONTROL IN PINUS SP. WOOD WITH SILICA MESOPOROUS PARTICLES LOADED WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

The use of essential oils (EO) carried onto mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) was tested to control pinewood stains. Three types of MSPs were synthesizedand physicochemically characterized with N2physisorption (type IV), X-ray diffraction [Miller indices (100), (110), (200)], scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential (negative values), dynamic light scattering (< 200 nm) and thermogravimetric analysis(5% to 10% weight loss). A response surface design was used to find the EO loading conditions to control stain, the latter was measured as colour change with the CIEDE2000formula. The essential oil loading onto MSPC was physicochemically confirmed by a weight loss of 47% in the thermogravimetric analysis. TheCitrus, Syzygiumsp. and Tagetessp. oils carried onto mesoporous particles MSPC (30:1 w/w) controlled the pinewood stain caused by Alternaria sp. andGeosmithia sp. This was demonstrated by the absence of pigmentation and scarce fungal growth.