Wood degradation

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The use of wood and wood products is limited by their sometimes insufficient resistance to destructive and/or discolouring organisms. Wood is exposed to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g. weathering), particularly in outdoor areas. In order to take account of this multitude of hazardous situations, durability testing is conducted in the Wood Biology and Wood Products department using a whole range of different laboratory and field methods:

• Biological tests to prove durability against wood-destroying and wood-discolouring fungi
• Artificial weathering
• Field trials (use classes 3 and 4)

Depending on the issue at hand, both standardised and self-developed methods are used. In cooperation with international research institutions, the durability against termite infestation and in contact with seawater is also characterised.

Holzschutz

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A preventive measure to protect wood from various (a-)biotic influences is the application of coating agents and wood preservative systems based on impregnation processes. As part of the research activities of the Wood Biology and Wood Products department, biocide-containing and biocide-free wood protection strategies are being developed in order to extend the usability of wood products in outdoor areas.