Results of the resistance of acetylated wood against marine borers at three Italian sites after five years of sea immersion

The aim of this research was the determination of resistance of acetylated wood against marine decay in use class 5 (EN 335) in temperate sea waters. The resistance of acetylated Pinus radiata (radiate pine) in solid and medium density fibreboard (MDF) panels is compared with that of the untreated Scots pine, radiata pine and other untreated wood of European species such as Fagus sylvatica (European beech), Castanea sativa M. (chestnut), Quercus robur L. (European oak) and marine plywood, Aucoumea klaineana Pierre 1896 (Oukumè). The field tests were carried out in accordance with EN 275:1992 and started in April 2015. The three Italian exposition sites were Marina of Scarlino, a private harbour, Genoa port and Venice Lagoon. Final evaluation in 2021 showed a great resistance to marine borers of acetylated wood and MDF panels. Nevertheless, the non-treated European species showed and pine radiata, against marine organisms, a low resistance with a completely decay after the first year of exposition.