Investigation on natural durability and sorption properties of Italian Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) from coppice stands

In this research, some important wood properties for exterior use of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) from coppice stands in Italy were evaluated. Fungi trials with different white rot, brown rot and soft rot fungi showed, that the heartwood of chestnut can be classified following EN 350 in durability class 2 as durable. However, the durability within the tested material (between trees and planks) can vary considerably. The highest reported durability was class I (very durable), whereas other samples were classified as non-durable (class 5). Under soil conditions, where soft rot organism are active, the variation within the tested collective was lower, however resulting in an average moderate durability (class 3). No statistical provable difference between juvenile wood and mature wood was detected. Furthermore, sorption properties and subsequent shrinkage and swelling were determined. Mature wood shows somewhat higher sorption properties and transverse shrinkage/swelling values than juvenile wood. However, longitudinal shrinkage is higher for juvenile wood.