The Influence of Microfungi on Physicomechanical Properties of Particleboards.

This study concerns the influence of selected fungi on changes in physical and mechanical properties of type P2 particleboards intended for use in dry conditions. The tested fungi included Aspergillus niger van Tiehgem, Chaetomium globosum Kunze et Fr., Trichoderma viride Persoon ex S.F., Gray aggr., and Penicillium funiculosum Thom. The incubation process lasted for 16 weeks, yet samples for the strength test were selected after a period of four weeks. The degradation level of boards was estimated by measuring the decrement of initial mass and changes in physicomechanical properties. The obtained results showed that mechanical strength of the investigated boards affected by the tested fungi decreased by 15% to 20%. However, the differences in DSC thermographs indicate that it is cellulose that mainly undergoes degradation in the wood of the investigated boards. Based on the changes in mechanical properties and DSC analyses, we consider T. viride and A. niger as the most aggressive fungal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]