BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods for enhancing the preservation of cellulosic materials, as well as to cellulosic materials prepared thereby.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in one embodiment, methods for preparing a treated cellulosic material comprising: (a) introducing a liquid treating composition into the cellulosic material, the treating composition comprising a solution prepared from at least (i) one or more of a copper amine complex or a copper ammine complex, (ii) one or more of ammonia or a water-soluble amine and (iii) water; and (b) exposing the cellulosic material provided by step (a) to one or more of carbon dioxide or carbonic acid to provide the treated cellulosic material.

In related embodiments, the invention provides treated cellulosic material prepared in accordance with the inventive methods as described herein, as well as methods for enhancing the preservation of cellulosic material.

