Wood samples treated with anhydrides of various compositions have been examined for their decay resistance and moisture behaviour. For this purpose two brown rot fungi (Coniophora puteana and Gloeophyllum trabeum) and two white rot fungi (Trametes versicolor and Pycnoporus sanguineus) were used in conventional and modified soil block tests. The modified soil block tests conformed to the method as described in BS1982: part 1. In comparing these methods it was clear that whilst the standard test was suitable for assessment of decay resistance to C. puteana, the modified test was much more suited to G. trabeum and the two white rot fungi. The results showed that acetic anhydride failed to protect the wood at levels of protection previously reported as adequate. The mechanisms of protection also appeared to vary according to the chemical structure. The implications for the mechanisms of protection are discussed.

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