Testing of the resistance of acetylated wood against marine borers at three Italian sites

The aim of this research is the determination of resistance of acetylated wood against marine biodeterioration in use class 5 (EN 335) in temperate sea waters. The resistance of acetylated Pinus radiata (radiate pine) in solid and MDF form is compared with that of the untreated radiata pine and other untreated wood of European species such as Fagus sylvatica (European beech) Castanea sativa (chestnut), and Quercus robur (European oak). As reference control, untreated scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) sapwood is used. The field tests were carried out in accordance with EN 275 and started in April 2015. The three Italian exposition sites were Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Venice Lagoon. Evaluations in 2016 and 2017 showed a greater resistance to marine borers of acetylated wood and MDF specimens compared to the untreated ones, even to durable species such as oak and chestnut. Most of the control samples (untreated scots pine and beech) were completely destroyed.