Assessment of durability of environmentally friendly wood-based panels

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the durability of selected wood-based panels according to the modified standard method D3273. Temporary wetting or storing in unfavourable conditions in different building stages initiates the growth of mould on the surface of wood-based panels due to the contamination of panels in early stages like manufacturing or transporting. The panels were tested as-they-were – no initial sterilization or particular test microorganisms were used. The tested panels showed notable growth of different types of moulds. The main mould occurred from the Genus Aspergillus what is considered as xerophilic. Under the optical microscope the network of fungal mycelium was detected also on panels what did not show visible growth. Environmentally friendly wood-based panels are very susceptible to the surface mould development whenever the favourable moisture conditions appear. The RH for the development of xerophilic moulds is relatively low –– about 75% RH, what is rather common condition in the construction site. Surface mould, even it is not visible or actively growing, is potentially harmful to habitants. The results of this work were highly valuable to both scientists and structural engineers.