Abstract
This work evaluates the antifungal and antitermite properties, as well as the contribution of three resin fractions, i.e., raw resin (RR), essential oil (EO) and purified resin (PR) of Canarium schweinfurthii (Aiele) from Gabon, to the durability of wood material. To this end, chemical analysis using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of the three fractions was first carried out, followed by a study of their antifungal and antitermite activities, and finally a study of their effects on the protection of wooden blocks subjected to degrading agents (termites and fungi). The results of the chemical analyses show that EO is made up of monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, while RR and PR consist of a mixture of monoterpenes, monoterpenoids and triterpenes. Biological tests of these fractions against Rhodonia placenta (RP), Coniophora puteana (CP), Trametes versicolor (TV) and Pycnoporus sanguineus (PS) demonstrated moderate antifungal activity but strong antitermite activity. These fractions improve the durability of impregnated wood blocks against fungi, and provide remarkable resistance to termites. However, their leachability properties are clearly demonstrated.