The biotechnological potential of nine decay fungi collected from stored beech logs at a pulp and paper factory yard in Northern Iran was investigated. Beech blocks exposed to the fungi in a laboratory decay test were used to study changes in cell wall chemistry using both wet chemistry and spectroscopic methods. Pleurotus ostreatus, P. pulmonarius, and Lentinus sajor-caju caused greater lignin breakdown compared to other white-rot fungi, which led to a 28% reduction in refining energy. Trametesversicolor caused the greatest glucan loss, while P. ostreatus and L. sajor-caju were associated with the lowest losses of this sugar. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses indicated that white-rot fungi caused greater lignin degradation in the cell walls via the oxidation aromatic rings, confirming the chemical analysis. The rate of cellulose and lignin degradation by the T.versicolor and Pleurotus species was high compared to the other decay fungi analyzed in this study. Based on the above information, we propose that, among the fungi tested, P. ostreatus (27.42% lignin loss and 1.58% cellulose loss) and L. sajor-caju (29.92% lignin loss and 5.95% cellulose loss) have the greatest potential for biopulping.

Meticulous chemical analysis of decaying xylem and linking it to corresponding anatomical modification at the cellular level can improve our understanding of the decay process. The aim of this study was to monitor the histological, chemical, photochemical, and progression of wood degradation by two white-rot fungi at different intervals. Oriental beech wood (Fagus orientalis) blocks were exposed to Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor to investigate the degradation capabilities of these two fungi. Light microscopy was used to study the decay patterns in wood. Decayed wood samples were also analyzed to determine lignin, cellulose and sugar contents and also evaluated at two week intervals by FT-IR spectroscopy to study chemical alterations. According to chemical analyses lignin is the most degraded polymer followed by cellulose and hemicelluloses for both white rot fungi. However, both test fungi tended to consume lignin more than cellulose. FT-IR spectra changes for lignin and carbohydrates in beech wood supported chemical alteration and indicated that both fungi decay wood in a simultaneous pattern.

This study was focused on measuring the properties of twenty-three commercially available coatings formulated for exterior wood applications. The coatings were characterized by measuring their surface tension, solid content, viscosity, pH, and glass transition temperatures (T_g). Additionally, the wetting properties of coating droplets on wood substrates were measured. The contact angle of solvent-based and water-based coatings were characterized on untreated southern yellow pine wood samples using high-resolution image analysis and the Young–Laplace solution. An innovative image processing technique for determining the average diameter of coating droplets on wood was developed, and an iterative method to calculate the average contact angle using the Young–Laplace solution was applied. The water-resistance of the coated wood samples was evaluated during one week of water immersion tests. In general, solvent-based coatings had significantly lower contact angles and water uptake than water-based coatings. Water-based paint samples had the largest average contact angle (81°), and solvent-based transparent penetrating stains had the smallest contact angle (13.9°). A strong correlation was observed between the coating water uptake and their surface tension and solid content.

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) market demand is on the rise in the United States. Adequate protective measures have not been extensively studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the weathering performance of exterior wood coatings. We evaluated coated CLT sample surfaces based on visual appearance, color change (CIE*L*a*b), gloss changes, and water intrusion. From the five exterior wood coatings evaluated, only two showed adequate performance after twelve months field exposure. Based on visual ratings following the ASTM procedures, coating failure occurs more quickly in Mississippi than in Wisconsin, due to its greater decay zone. Both location and coating type impacted the aging of the samples. Artificial weathering results were consistent with natural weathering indicating the two adequate coatings were the most resistant to failure, color, and gloss change. For future studies, new coatings designed for the protection of end-grain in CLT panels should be a target of research and development.

This study evaluated biological resistance, water absorption, and total carbohydrate contents of carbonized woods by contact charring method followed by linseed oil submersion. Charred and control specimens were exposed in laboratory fungal resistance tests to two white – and two brown-rot fungi and in mold resistance tests by spraying the surface with a mold spore-suspension comprised of three different mold species. Charred and control specimens were also evaluated for resistance to the eastern subterranean termites. To help understand biological durability results, carbohydrate content and water absorption of test specimens were also determined. In all cases, durability against wood degrading fungi increased with the exception of charred Eucalyptus bosistoana wood exposing to the white-rot fungus, Irpex lacteus. Mold resistance of charred Pinus taeda specimens increased considerably when compared to controls however, no mold growth was observed on either control or charred specimens of E. bosistoana. In termite tests, significantly less weight losses were shown in charred specimens of both wood species tested compared to controls although, no complete protection was achieved against termite attack. Total carbohydrate content of charred wood specimens decreased after the carbonization process and as expected, increased hydrophobicity was observed with >50% less water uptake in charred specimens.