Effectiveness of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) coated on wood blocks to deter termites and optimized concentration and application

Abstract This study investigated techniques of coating zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles on the surface of blocks of pine (Pinus densiflora) and a method for effectively preventing termite access. ZIF-8 was synthesized by the reaction of 2-methylimidazole (2-MeIm) and Zn2+ in methanol media. Treatment of the wood blocks was carried out by immersing wood blocks in aqueous dispersions of ZIF-8 (0.1 ~ 0.3%) and in aqueous solutions of 2-MeIm (0.01 ~ 0.3%). Subterranean termite (Reticulitermes speratus) prevention experiments were carried out using choice and no-choice tests according to AWPA standard (E1-17). In the no-choice test, termites would not eat the wood block treated with aqueous dispersions of ZIF-8 prepared at a concentration of 0.1% or more, and all died within 28 days of the experiment, 100% mortality. In the choice test performed for 28 days, the termites did not eat the treated block, and ate only the untreated wood block, and showed the same low mortality as the control group, and there was no damage to the treated wood block. The results of experiments performed with wood blocks treated with 2-MeIm aqueous solutions were similar to those of ZIF-8. In conclusion, ZIF-8 and 2-MeIm showed very effective anti-termite agent performance.