Abstract from the COIPM minutes: Wood in marine environment: Mrs Gambetta stated that the main item discussed by the Group was the collaborative work to test the durability of heat shrinkable polyolephin sheating materials for the protection of wood against marine organisms. The work began last year when wood samples were sent out to the participants. Three samples of Pinus sylvestris wrapped in polyolephin supplied by Raychem were sent to the following participants: Mr. RASMUSSEN who put three stations at the disposal of the group: one in Denmark, one in Spain and one in India; Prof. RELINI with two stations: Rapallo and Loano in the Gulf of Genoa; Prof. GARETH JONES: Langstone station in England; Dr. GUEZENNEC: Tahiti Station; Dr. GAMBETTA and Dr. ORLANDI: Follonica station (Tyrrhenian Sea). The information regarding the physical and chemical characteristics of the stations as well as the most damaging marine organisms has been recived. The inspections regarding good or poor condition of samples have not yet been made but those in charge of the test would send the results as soon as possible. Dr. HABAL is also going to take part in the work and the samples would be sent out to him for exposure at his station. There was a second part in the collaborative programme: a study on the resistance to marine organisms of pressure treated wood with polymers. The tests with styrene are being undertaken. Preliminary tests were made at Follonica station but the bad results achieved prevented the group from extending the trials to other stations. The second item dealt with was the IRG/COIPM cooperative programmes. The first one regards different species of wood treated with CCA and CCB (Pinus, Alstonia, Fagus). The work already started nine years ago. Now it can be said that the two saline products gave results somewhat similar and chemical analyses have shown that Boron and Arsenic had a strong leaching therefore seems that a better protection is ensured by copper and chromium. The second one aims at studying the efficacy of polyurethane coatings on wood samples against marine organisms. The group also discussed the work in progress in the various member laboratories. Dr. HABAL informed on his tests on the behaviour of wood samples treated with TBTO and TBTF and also on the incorporation of antifouling materials into elastic paint like commercial preparation that can be applied as a thick layer onto wood pilings. He was also participating in the heat shrinkable plastic cooperative programme. Mr. DE PALMA was continuing his tests on polyolephin sheatings at his two stations and at other stations: Italy, Spain, India (stations of Follonica and Cadiz). He was also taking part in the IRG/COIPM collaborative programmes. Dr. GAMBETTA reported her tests carried out at Follonica on wood treated with organotins which were exposed in the marine environment during twelve years. She was also taking part in the IRG/COIPM cooperative programmes.

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