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Fungal damages in Norwegian massive timber elements – causes and measures
2019 - IRG/WP 19-40879
Massive wood elements are relatively new in Norway but the use is growing quickly, primarily the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT). Moisture performance of massive timber elements has been examined by some researchers, but more knowledge is needed. There is uncertainty regarding the need for vapour barriers or retarders in roof assemblies, and for practical reasons buildings are rarely assembled...
M S Austigard, J Mattsson


Effect of long-term immersion in fresh and salt water on mould growth on Scots pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.) wood
2020 - IRG/WP 20-10962
Wood exposed outdoors will eventually be degraded by fungi, depending on exposure and material characteristics. Numerous wooden constructions in the Røros municipality have existed since the 17th century, but wood used in recent repairs have decayed faster than expected. Before 1970 timber was mainly transported by log driving or rafting, and the logs were immersed in water for longer or shorter ...
M Sand Austigard, J Mattsson


Dynamics of fungi colonization on the surface of Scots pine wood during natural weathering in different European climate zones
2022 - IRG/WP 22-10984
Wood The presence of fungi leads to biomaterial decay and/or changes in aesthetical appeal. The start of fungi colonization as well as the following growth on wood are primarily influenced by four factors: ambient temperature, moisture history of the object, access to oxygen, and intrinsic properties of the exposed wood, considered here as a source of nutrients for microorganisms. A prevalence of ...
F Poohphajai, O Myronycheva, O Karlsson, L Rautkari, J Sandak, A Sandak


Biological assessment of bio-based phase change materials in wood for construction applications
2022 - IRG/WP 22-40935
Solid wood can serve multi-functionality for energy savings in buildings. The study reveals the results of bio-deterioration and degradation of solid Scots pine wood used to incorporate single or multicomponent fatty acid mixtures as bio-based phase change materials (BPCMs). The sapwood samples were impregnated with capric acid (CA), methyl palmitate (MP), lauryl alcohol (LA) and a mixture of coco...
S Palanti, A Temiz, G Köse Demirel, G Hekimoğlu, A Sari, M Nazari, J Gao, M Jebrane, T Schnabel, N Terziev


Accelerated surface mould testing for exterior wood treatment in Temperate, Tropical and Laboratory environments
2023 - IRG/WP 23-20699
Mould attack is a very common cause of discoloration on wooden surfaces and can subsequently promote development of wood decay by other organisms. Prevention of mould growth is relevant for both pigmented wood paints as well as more transparent systems with a high or low amount of binder. The use of commercial biocides has led to effective microbiological inhibition in many contexts, but the incre...
A Nazeri, J Stenbaek, T R Laursen, A H H Wong, B M Hasnul


Fungicidal properties of black liquor from the waste MDF board digestion in terms of wood protection
2023 - IRG/WP 23-50379
The aim of the work was to determine the fungicidal properties of black liquor as a product of the chemical digestion of waste MDF board. The resistance of wood treated with black liquor from MDF waste pulping process was compared with the resistance of wood treated with black liquor from the pulping process of a by-product from agricultural production. The control material consisted of non-treate...
B Mazela, W Perdoch, A Szulc, I Sieminska


Xerophilic mould fungi on new and historic wood
2025 - IRG/WP 25-11056
An examination of mould fungi in 35 medieval and ten 18th Century buildings shows mould growth to varying degrees on different surfaces. The analyses also show a rapid development of mould fungi on certain wooden surfaces in recent years. A significant difference in the growth between new and old wood is the clearly more extensive growth and different species composition of mould fungi on new wo...
J Mattsson, M S Austigard


Functionalization of wood with nano-sized titanium dioxide – Efficacy against mould growth and effect on cell wall integrity
2025 - IRG/WP 25-20740
Nano-sized titanium dioxide (nano TiO2) is a photocatalytic compound that generates reactive radicals under UV radiation, which can inhibit microbial growth and impart self-cleaning properties. This effect has been widely utilised on materials such as glass or tiles. This study investigates the potential of nano TiO2 treatments to prevent mould growth on wood and their impact on cell wall integrit...
U Hundhausen, S Bollmus, L Ross


Properties of plasma etched super black wood
2025 - IRG/WP 25-30825
Super-black materials have very low reflectivity due to structural absorption of light. They are attracting considerable scientific and industrial attention because of their important applications in many fields including astronomy, photovoltaics, and optical science, amongst others. We have developed the first super-black material from wood by etching transverse basswood (Tilia americana L.) surf...
K J Cheng, X Xu, V A Hernandez, P D Evans


Moisture uptake in CLT during the construction phase: real construction conditions versus specimens exposed to environment
2025 - IRG/WP 25-41019
The rapid growth in the use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in construction highlights the need to address durability concerns, particularly in regions with less experience in Mass Timber Construction and favourable climatic conditions for the biological degradation of wood, such as Mediterranean countries. A lack of awareness and deficient construction management can negatively impact the public ...
D Lima, S Duarte, J M Branco, L Nunes (†)


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