Application of GRAS Compounds for the Control of Mould Growth on Scots Pine Sapwood Surfaces: Multivariate Modelling of Mould Grade

Abstract

Research Highlights: In this study, the Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) compounds were applied in order to study mould-fungi growth on dried Scots pine sapwood. Background and Objectives: The transition to the use of more sustainable wood-material may be possible by applying GRAS compounds that can control and prevent contamination by primary colonising mould fungi. Materials and Methods: Kiln-dried sawn timber was treated with three different GRAS compounds, and different fungal inoculation methods applied in order to investigate differences in the development of fungal communities. Results: Substances based on potassium silicate significantly reduced fungal growth and mould contamination on the studied wood surfaces. By combining wood-surface treatments with GRAS compounds, fungal-area size as predictors and mould grade as response, a partial least squares (PLS) model that makes it possible to predict mould grade on wood surfaces was developed. The PLS model is a key component in the development of a smart grading-systems equipped by e.g. high-speed digital cameras for the early detection of fungal attack on wood surfaces in different applications. However, the measurements based on chemical characterisation should be the next step to take in order significantly to enhance the model and increase the range of robust applications. In the current study, a multivariate model describing the influence of each fungal-covering area on mould grade was presented for the first time.

Methacrylic resin for protection of wood from discoloration by mould growth and weathering

“…This observation could have been due to the method of inoculation. According to previous studies (Myronycheva et al 2018(Myronycheva et al , 2019, the spraying technique chosen in the present study combined with the freely available water provided a favourable environment for Aspergillus niger, but less for other fungal species, such as Aureobasidium pullulans and Cladosporium cladosporioides, or "dry adhesion" fungus-like Penicillium commune, which commonly grow on timber outdoors (Fig. 2).…”

Resistance of Wood Treated with Iron Compounds against Wood-Destroying Decay and Mould Fungi

“…However, the use of wood preservatives is often limited due to environmental risks [27,28]. Therefore, technological solutions to protect wood using ecological, naturally derived materials are increasingly being tested [29,30]. For example, to protect the wood from fungi or other wood-destroying organisms, essential oils could be used instead of highly toxic traditional wood preservatives [31,32].…”