Compositions and methods for treating cellulose-based materials with micronized additives

1. A process for treating wood, said process comprising the steps of:

a) providing an aqueous composition comprising one or more solid particles of an additive dispersed in water having diameters in the range of 0.001 to 25 microns; and

b) applying said composition to wood such that at least some of the particles penetrate the surface of the wood and are distributed throughout across section of the wood;

wherein the additive is carbon black or black iron oxide; greater than 80 weight percent of the particles have diameters less than 1 micron; and the additive is applied to the wood by pressure treatment, vacuum treatment, or both.

2. A process as in claim 1 , wherein said aqueous composition further comprises an additive which is zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or an aluminum flake pigment.

3. A process as in claim 2 , further comprising performing the step a) by grinding said additives into micronized form.

4. A process as in claim 2 , wherein said aqueous composition further comprises a biocide.

5. A process as in claim 4 , where said biocide is solid.

6. A process as in claim 5 , wherein said solid biocide is copper or a copper compound.

7. A process as in claim 2 , wherein said aqueous composition further comprises a colorant.

8. A process as in claim 2 , wherein said aqueous composition further comprises one or more organic pigments.

9. A process as in claim 2 , wherein said aqueous composition further comprises one or more inorganic pigments.