Micro- and nanostructural studies on the cell wall distribution and efficacy of modern and novel wood protection systems

The project objective is to study the micro- and nanostructural microdistribution of novel wood protecting chemicals (nanoCopper), hydrophobic agents (silicones, oils) at the wood tissue and cell wall levels, and correlate this with biological decay by economically important decay fungi. The planned nanostructural, molecular, and impregnation studies will provide information leading to an improved understanding of the efficacy of modern protective agents and lead to their optimal use and improved sustainability. We have a unique possibility to do a complete study along the entire chain from industrial and lab. impregnation of wood with novel formulations, studies on the micro-and nanodistributions of chemicals in the wood at tissue and cell wall levels and their interactions and efficacy against important decay fungi under lab. and field situations. In addition, using molecular analysis, we will identify the important wood decay fungi selected by formulations under field situations. Our approach will allow for a better understanding of wood-modification fungal interactions at early stages of exposure allowing in the long-term for the design of new environmentally-friendly wood protecting chemicals or improvement of existing formulations.