COST Action FP 1303 (Performance of bio-based building materials) was established in 2013 with the main aim to improve the knowledge on the performance of bio-based materials used as building products and the assessment of factors influencing these, with the aim of increasing their service life. This Action has helped in understanding the interlinked relationships between durability, product aesthetics, fibre-moisture relationships, decay hazards and achieving a better understanding of the biology and mechanisms influencing the growth of fungi and other degrading organisms and the consequent damage in terms of discoloration and decay of wood and bio-based building materials with building design and maintenance. Within this COST Action performance is considered in its manifold meaning, i.e. optical, aesthetical, moisture and functional performance and durability. Numerous studies into the performance of modified wood was presented by researchers during the 4-year duration of the Action, and this paper aims to provide an overview of some of the work presented by the more than 260 scientists that took part in the Action activities.

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