DCOI (4,5-Dichloro-2n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one) is the active ingredient used in UltraTie. It is a highly effective, non-metal-based wood preservative designed to protect against decay and wood-destroying insects.

How effective is DCOI as a wood preservative?

DCOI has been shown to be extremely effective. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) sponsored extensive testing conducted by Mississippi State University (MSU), a recognized leader in wood preservative research. MSU compiled 28 years of field data demonstrating DCOI’s long-term performance against wood decay.

How does DCOI impact the environment?

DCOI is designed with sustainability in mind. Compared to other tie treatments, it:

Uses less energy, fossil fuel, and water to produce.
Features lower ecotoxicity than alternative materials.
Earned the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its role as a safer alternative to older, harsher compounds.

Will the preservative leach into the soil?

DCOI is highly stable and leach-resistant. Because it has a high soil absorption coefficient and very low water solubility (less than 5ppm), it has a very low probability of migrating into the surrounding soil environment.

What does DCOI protect against?

DCOI is a powerful fungicide and bactericide. It provides robust protection against:

Wood decay fungi
Termites
Microbial growth

Where else is DCOI commonly used?

DCOI is a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, including:

Infrastructure: UltraPole NXT utility poles and crossarms.
Residential: Ecolife® residential wood preservatives.
Industrial: Cooling towers, brewery pasteurizing systems, and drywall.
Consumer Goods: Marine coatings, shower curtains, pool liners, and in-can paint formulations.

DCOI FAQs